Mamelodi Sundowns completed a ruthless and professional display, easing
past Nigeria’s Remo Stars with a 2-0 victory at Loftus Versfeld to secure
their place in the CAF Champions League group stages with a commanding 7-1
aggregate triumph.
Despite holding a massive 5-1 lead from the first leg, coach Miguel Cardoso
fielded a strong starting eleven, refusing to give the visitors any hope of
a miraculous comeback. The Brazilians controlled the match from the outset,
patiently dismantling a Remo Stars side that needed to attack but found no
way through.
Sundowns extinguished any lingering doubt early in the first half when Nuno
Santos opened his account for the club, collecting a clever pass from Aubrey
Modiba before rifling a low shot into the bottom corner.
The dominance continued, and Peter Shalulile put the result beyond any
question on the stroke of halftime, tapping in from close range to give the
hosts a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw more of the same, with Sundowns comfortably managing the
game. Shalulile was denied a second goal by a last-ditch block, while
goalkeeper Denis Onyango enjoyed a quiet afternoon, rarely tested by the
Nigerian champions.
The comprehensive victory confirms Mamelodi Sundowns as the sole South
African representative in the prestigious Champions League group stages.
Lineups:
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.
