Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place in the CAF Champions League quarter finals with a 2-0 victory over MC Alger in Pretoria, a result that also eliminated their former coach Rhulani Mokwena from the competition.
The win at Loftus Stadium ensured Sundowns finished second in Group C with nine points, behind Al Hilal who topped the group on 11 points after defeating St Eloi Lupopo 1-0 in their final match. MC Alger ended third with seven points while Lupopo finished bottom on five.
Mamelodi Sundowns entered the decisive fixture knowing that only a victory would guarantee progression to the knockout stage, and they made a fast start. Colombian forward Brayan Leon opened the scoring inside seven minutes, reacting quickest after an initial effort was saved and calmly driving the rebound low into the net to settle early nerves.
The home side controlled possession for long periods and limited MC Algerβs attacking opportunities, with the visitors struggling to create clear chances in the final third.
Leon doubled the advantage just after the hour mark. Aubrey Modiba delivered a low cross from the left flank and Leon made a sharp run to the near post, turning the ball home to complete his brace and seal the result. The goal continued the strikerβs impressive start following his January move to the South African champions.
The victory provided relief for Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, who would have faced heavy scrutiny had the team failed to advance. Cardoso guided the club to last seasonβs final, where they were beaten by Egyptian side Pyramids, and qualification for the quarter finals keeps their continental ambitions alive.
The build up to the match was overshadowed by allegations that Mamelodi Sundowns analyst Mario Masha had shared tactical information with MC Alger coach Mokwena. Both parties have strongly denied the claims.
Attention now turns to the quarter final draw, which is scheduled to take place later this week, with CAF yet to confirm the exact date.
