Reigning NPFL champions Remo Stars suffered a heavy 5–1 defeat at home to South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second-round preliminary tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday.
The visitors — last season’s CAF Champions League finalists — showcased their class and experience, taking control from the onset. Their early pressure paid off in the 12th minute when Themba Zwane’s clever pass found Matthews, who pounced on a defensive lapse to slot home the opener.
Sundowns nearly doubled their lead in the 38th minute from a set-piece, but Remo Stars goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa pulled off a superb diving save to deny a close-range header. Moments later, a misplaced pass from Ronwen Williams almost gifted Alex Oyowah an equaliser, but the Nigerian forward failed to capitalise.
However, Sundowns made it 2–0 just before halftime as Peter Shalulile muscled past defender Anthony Ebuka to meet a long ball from Williams, finishing confidently beyond the stranded Obassa.
Remo Stars best chance of the half came through Victor Mbaoma, whose fierce strike was well saved by Williams.
The second half saw the visitors tighten their grip. In the 61st minute, a swift counterattack ended with Reisinho slotting home a composed third, before Arthur Sales added a fourth in the 74th minute after a brilliant team move orchestrated by Nuno.
Remo Stars grabbed a consolation two minutes later when Adama Goita teed up Samson Olasupo, who rifled a low effort past Williams from the edge of the box.
But the South Africans restored their four-goal cushion in the 84th minute as Teboho Ntsabeleng punished a midfield error to make it 5–1, sealing a dominant away victory.
The result leaves Remo Stars with a mountain to climb when they travel to Pretoria for the return leg next weekend, needing a miracle to overturn the deficit and reach the group stage of the competition.
