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Sundowns knocked out of CAF

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns were knocked out of the CAF Champions League by AS Vita Club due to the away goals rule at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday evening.

AS Vita have moved into the group stages of the competition as a result of their way goal in the 2-2 aggregate draw over two legs.

Despite winning 2-1 on the night, Sundowns failed to march into the next round of the continental competition.

AS Vita opened the scoring in the 38th minute through a goal from Mukoko Batezadio while Thabo Nthethe equalised moments later through the penalty spot.

Tebogo Langerman handed Sundowns the lead in the 77th minute but in the end it was not enough. For the second year running, the Brazilians were knocked out at the second round stage of the tournament.

Sundowns made their intentions known from as soon as the third minute when midfielder Hlompho Kekana took a snapshot from long range it sailed over the crossbar.

The visitors also deployed an attacking formation despite having the advantage from the 1-0 first leg win at home.

In the 16th minute Bernard Morrison looked to break down the Sundowns defence with a brilliant run, but Nthethe got the vital tackle to dispossess him.

The home side had a chance to get the opening goal when Leonardo Castro found some space inside the box, but his shot just flew wide of the target.

A defensive mistake from Thabo Nthethe allowed Batezadio to nick the ball past goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands from a cross inside the box in the 38th minute.

Two minutes later Sundowns were awarded a penalty after AS Vita goalkeeper Nelson Lukong fouled Castro inside the box. Nthethe duly stepped up to convert the spot kick.

The second half Sundowns came out guns blazing and Billiat received a well-timed pass from teammate Castro, but the midfielder fluffed his chance after failing to pack enough power in his shot.

Moments later, Teko Modise provided Castro with a superb cross into the box, but the striker directed his header straight at goalkeeper Lukong.

The Brazilians took the lead when Langerman made a defence splitting run into the box and beat the goalkeeper on the right flank.

Vita midfielder Lusadisu Basisila launched a counter-attack from his own half and beat Sandilands but was denied by the upright and the visitors were able to hold on for the aggregate win after a late barrage of attack from Sundowns, who will now compete in the CAF Confederations Cup.

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