Kenyan international Brian ‘Niang’ Mandela featured full minutes for Mamelodi Sundowns as the played to a one-all draw with Sudan’s Al Hilal in a CAF Champions League Group B match.This was the first time that the Kenyan was starting a Champions League group game in the current season, having featured twice from the bench for a total of five minutes.##NAJAVA_MECA_7108285##The match was played in an empty Al Hilal Stadium as the host are currently serving a sanction by CAF to play behind closed doors following charges of spectator misbehavior and misconduct during their match against Al Ahly in February.Khuliso Mudau broke the deadlock in the 67th minute after a rather dull encounter in the first half, pouncing on a rebound from a freekick to give Sundowns the lead.However, the advantage lasted for only five minutes as Mohamed Abdelrahman slotted home for Al Hilal after stealing the ball from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.Sudanese club fined by CAF, team doctor suspended for misconductHilal were dealt a double blow in the first stanza when Ibrahim Imoro and Mwafag Toto had to go out injured in two different instances, with Faris Abdalla and Athar Eltahir taking up their places respectively.Al Hilal had the chance to seal their quarters spot in the second minute of stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty but substitute Eltahir saw his effort from 12 yards saved.While Sundowns have booked their slot in the last eight, Al Hilal and Al Ahly will battle for the remaining spot when both sides meet next weekend in the last Group B match in Egypt.
