A sense of déjà vu has hung over the Mamelodi Sundowns camp after receiving two red cards in a highly charged CAF Champions League group stage match against Raja Casablanca on Saturday.
Sundowns lost their first match in this season's competition, as the home side secured the three points via a first-half strike by Benaissa Benamar following some chaotic defending.
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But long after the final whistle has gone, the fixture, which took place at Stade Larbi Zaouli, will be remembered for the emotions on display from both sets of players, culminating in three red cards issued – two of them to Sundowns players.
First was Bathusi Aubaas, who went studs-up on Younes Najjari, catching him on his ankle while trying to recover possession. Referee Abdel Aziz Bouh did not hesitate in showing the lanky midfielder directions back to the change room for an early shower.
Minutes later, Raja got the breakthrough after Ronwen Williams conceded a corner unnecessarily trying to catch a ball that was headed off target.
The pressure was on.
Then followed Khuliso Mudau, who had to take the walk of shame deep in added time following an off-the-ball incident, where he landed a punch on an opposition player that would have left the Mike Tysons of this world green with envy.
By then, the Green Eagles were also one man down after Marouane Zila was sent off for a lunge on Aubrey Modiba with 10 minutes to go.
These events almost mirrored those of the first leg of the semi-final between Wydad Casablanca and Sundowns on 13 May 2023, where Neo Maema and Marcelo Allende got their marching orders.
After the visitors had an 11th minute goal by Peter Shalulile cancelled following the intervention of VAR, they finished the first half with 10 men with VAR changing the colour of the card issued to Maema from yellow to red following an over-the-top tackle.
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VAR was at it again in additional time, this time proving Allende deserved a red card after he was only cautioned for a dangerous tackle, having only been brought on as a substitute for Themba Zwane in the 78th minute.
The Brazilians, though, hung on for a goalless draw, before losing the tie on aggregate after an entertaining 2-2 draw at Loftus Versfeld in the second leg.
They will be hoping the effects of last weekend's drama won't be as costly, what with a trip to the DRC to face tricky Maniema Union coming up. Who head coach Miguel Cardoso has lined up as replacements for Aubaas and Mudau remains to be seen.