South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns produced a dominant performance to defeat Mali’s Stade Malien 3-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday night.
Sundowns controlled large spells of the contest and eventually turned their superiority into goals to take a strong advantage into the return leg in Bamako next week.
The home side made a confident start, enjoying most of the possession and pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Their persistence paid off in the 34th minute when Arthur Sales collected the ball on the right flank and used his pace to beat his marker before delivering a precise pass into the box. Khuliso Mudau arrived at the right moment and finished from close range to put Sundowns ahead. The goal was briefly checked by VAR for a possible offside but was ultimately allowed to stand.
Sundowns continued to apply pressure after taking the lead. A few minutes later Francis Awine attempted a long range strike after collecting a cleared corner, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. The hosts kept the visitors pinned back as the half progressed, creating several opportunities before the break. Arthur Sales fired a powerful shot that forced a save from goalkeeper N’Golo Traoré, while Aubrey Modiba also tested the Malian defence with a strike that was parried away. Teboho Mokoena then attempted to convert the rebound but the goalkeeper gathered the ball safely.
Despite Stade Malien trying to remain organised defensively, Sundowns dictated the tempo of the match and entered the interval with a deserved one goal advantage.
The second half followed a similar pattern, although Stade Malien briefly showed attacking intent early on. After absorbing that pressure, Mamelodi Sundowns struck again in the 55th minute through a swift counterattack. Nuno Santos advanced with the ball and delivered a pass into the six yard area where Brayan Leon redirected it into the net to double the lead.
Moments later Sundowns thought they had a chance to extend their advantage further when Mokoena won a penalty following a challenge inside the area. However, after a VAR review the referee overturned the decision and play resumed without the spot kick.
The South African side continued to dominate and sealed the result in the 74th minute. Nuno Santos attempted a shot from the edge of the penalty area which was parried by Traoré for a corner. From the resulting set piece, the ball was delivered into the box and Iqraam Rayners managed to get the decisive touch to guide it into the net. The goal was again reviewed by VAR for a possible foul but the decision stood, confirming Sundowns’ third goal of the night.
Mamelodi Sundowns comfortably managed the remaining minutes to secure an emphatic 3-0 victory, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg. With the win, the Pretoria based club moved a step closer to reaching the semifinals of the competition for a third consecutive season.
The return fixture will take place in Bamako, where Stade Malien will need a remarkable comeback to overturn the three goal deficit and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
