Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed their place in the CAF Champions League group
stages with a professional and commanding 2-0 victory over Nigeria’s Remo
Stars at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The win sealed an emphatic 7-1 aggregate
triumph in the second preliminary round, establishing The Brazilians as
the sole South African representatives in the continent’s premier club
competition.
Early Goal Extinguishes Hope
Despite holding a massive 5-1 advantage from the first leg, coach Miguel
Cardoso named a strong starting eleven, refusing to give the visitors any
early encouragement. Sundowns controlled the tempo from the outset and
effectively ended the tie as a contest early on. Nuno Santos opened his
account for the club, collecting a pass from Aubrey Modiba before rifling
a shot into the bottom corner to extend the aggregate lead.
Shalulile Seals Dominant Half
The South African champions continued to press, with Tashreeq Matthews
going close from distance. Their dominance was rewarded on the stroke of
halftime when Peter Shalulile added a second, finishing from close range
to put the result beyond any doubt.
Controlled Finish to the Tie
The second half saw Sundowns comfortably manage the game. They came close
to a third goal, while Remo Stars managed a few half-chances but never
seriously troubled a largely untested Denis Onyango. Cardoso took the
opportunity to make changes, bringing on Lebogang Mothiba and Bathusi
Aubaas to see out a smooth and convincing victory.
Line-Ups
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Mudau, Kekana, Cupido, Mokoena (Aubaas 59′),
Modiba, Allende, Matthews, Shalulile (Mothiba 59′), Santos, Sales.
Subs: Pieterse, Adams, Lebusa, Aubaas, Letlhaku, Reisinho, Lunga,
Ntsabeleng, Mothiba.
