Sundowns make heavy weather of Al-Hilal clash, but get off to good start with win

At Loftus Versfeld

Mamelodi Sundowns made heavy weather of what should have been a regulation CAF Champions League home demolition; instead, they had to settle for a 1-0 win against Sudan's Al-Hilal at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

On a pitch that soaked up all the rain that has affected the Highveld over the past week and a bit, Sundowns were highly functional in most areas but were unnecessarily fancy in front of goal.

It cost them plenty of goal-scoring chances and seems to be a habit that they haven't shaken off from previous campaigns.

It cost them badly, especially on the road and in playoff games, where sharper and more defensively resolute teams have punished them.

It's still early in the group stages, but with trips to Garoua (Coton Sport), Cairo (Al-Ahly) and the return game against Saturday's opposition in Omdurman to come in Group B, Sundowns need to be clinical and less elaborate in front of goal.

What may save Sundowns' blushes in the group stages is that it's head-to-head that matters and not goal difference.

Having exited at the quarterfinal stages for three consecutive tournaments, Sundowns will know they can't afford to be charitable in front of goal.

The bad habit has to be shaken off with immediate effect. It was a pity they didn't bury Florent Ibenge's side under an avalanche of goals, for the visitors were only interested in taking a point home for the better part of the game.

However, without coming close to worrying Ronwen Williams, they displayed shades of attacking football that will ask pressing questions of Sundowns and other teams when they play at home.

That said, among the host of chances Sundowns had in an uneventful first half that at least saw the rain clear, Cassius Mailula broke the