Peter Shalulile rescued Mamelodi Sundowns from the brink of defeat against AS Maniema Union during the CAF Champions League clash at Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte on Saturday.

Shalulile netted two late goals, propelling Sundowns to a 2-1 triumph, which solidified their second position in Group B.

Prior to Shalulile’s game-changing goal, Sundowns’ captain Ronwen Williams demonstrated his prowess as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers by executing a crucial save against Rachidi Musinga, diving to block the attempt.

In this critical encounter, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made four adjustments to the lineup after a 1-0 setback to Raja Casablanca in their previous match.

Mosa Lebusa, Sphelele Mkhulise, Thapelo Morena, and Arthur Sales were part of the starting eleven, while Khuliso Mudau and Bathusi Aubaas were sidelined due to suspensions from red cards received in Morocco.

Nevertheless, the home side nearly opened the scoring with a free kick in the 16th minute, but Ordy Simete’s header went wide of the goal.

Just four minutes later, Maniema persisted with a threatening cross, yet Jephte Kitambala’s header went over the bar.

In the 23rd minute, Maniema achieved their first shot on target from a corner kick, but Williams was quick to make the save.

The visitors, Sundowns, responded with Marcelo Allende narrowly missing the target as his shot hit the side netting.

Maniema continued their push for a goal, but Obed Mbala’s half-volley went astray just after the half-hour mark.

After a quick corner routine, Teboho Mokoena’s long-range attempt skimmed the bar. The home team finally took the lead in the 38th minute as Kitambala netted with a low strike from outside the box.

This goal seemed to deflate Sundowns, allowing the home team to gain momentum, resulting in Allende receiving a yellow card for committing a foul at the edge of the box, leading to a corner for Maniema, and leaving the score at 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Cardoso made a strategic substitution, bringing Tashreeq Matthews on for Sales. Sundowns were keen to level the score with Mokoena launching another long-range shot that sailed over the bar.

As the hour approached, the South African champions came close to equalizing when Morena sprinted after a well-placed pass, but the former Bloemfontein Celtic player was unable to convert from a tight angle.

In the 62nd minute, Terrence Mashego and Kutlwano Letlhaku replaced Divine Lunga and Mkhulise, respectively. Lucas Ribeiro attempted a delicate header ten minutes later, but Lyongo Efonge in goal responded swiftly to avert the danger.

Just two minutes after joining the match, Shalulile found the back of the net, unmarked at the far post to finish off a delivery from Mokoena in the 83rd minute, significantly changing the game’s dynamics.

Shalulile followed up by scoring what appeared to be the winning goal shortly afterward, evading the offside trap, although the ball might have deflected off a defender and could be counted as an own goal. Regardless, Sundowns celebrated, successfully dodging what seemed like an inevitable defeat.

With this win, Sundowns collected eight points from five matches, maintaining their second place, while Maniema lingered at the bottom of the group with just three points, thus concluding their campaign in the tournament.