Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Stade Malien in Bamako, progressing 3-2 on aggregate after a tense second leg encounter reports Trybal News.
The South African side arrived in Mali with a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg, but were immediately put under pressure as the hosts made a dream start. Inside the opening minute, Taddeus Nkeng capitalised on a lapse in Sundowns’ defensive line, rising to head home and ignite hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Stade Malien continued to press aggressively, unsettling Sundowns who struggled to find their usual rhythm. The hosts thought they had doubled their lead in the 16th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside after a lengthy check.
The pressure eventually paid off again just before the break when Haman Mandjan reacted quickest after the ball struck the crossbar in a crowded penalty area, slotting home to make it 2-0 on the night and reduce the aggregate deficit to a single goal.
Sundowns, who had looked unusually vulnerable in the first half, regrouped after the interval and began to assert more control. Their composure was tested further when Aubrey Modiba was sent off in the second half, leaving the visitors to navigate the closing stages with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Sundowns showed experience and discipline, slowing the tempo and keeping possession to frustrate the hosts. Stade Malien pushed forward in search of the decisive third goal, but were unable to break through again as Sundowns held firm.
At the final whistle, the visitors secured their passage into the last four for the fourth consecutive year and the sixth time in their history, maintaining their status as one of Africa’s most consistent sides in continental competition.
They now advance to face Espérance de Tunis in the semi-finals, setting up a high-stakes clash as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.
