Mamelodi Sundowns made a massive statement to their rivals in Africa after demolishing Remo Stars 5-1 in the CAF Champions League second-round preliminary qualifiers.
For Remo to turn the tie, they would need to pull an unlikely 4-0 win in Tshwane to take the game to penalties.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS HAMMER REMO STARS
From the first whistle, early dominance forced the home side into panic mode, and it didn’t take long for the breakthrough to arrive. Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring after 12 minutes with a left-footed grass cutter.
Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Obassa was the busiest man on the field, pulling off a superb stop to deny Miguel Reisinho’s header midway through the first half. But Sundowns kept knocking, and just before the break, Peter Shalulile made it 2-0 with his trademark poacher’s finish.
After the restart, Kabo Yellow kept coming. Reisinho found his first goal for Sundowns by slotting home Khuliso Mudau’s inch-perfect cross.
Cardoso then rotated his troops, giving minutes to Arthur Sales and Kutlwano Letlhaku. Sales followed with a classy finish to make it four, after neat work from Nuno Santos.
Remo managed a consolation through Samson Olasupo in the 76th minute, but the South Africans weren’t done. With six minutes to play, Katlego Ntsabeleng coolly tapped in Lebogang Mothiba’s cross, his first goal in Sundowns colours.
HOW THEY LINED UP
Coach Cardoso made three lineup changes after the shock loss to Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout last 16.
New Portuguese superstar Reisinho got his full start after making his debut as a substitute against Gallants. Teboho Mokoena retained his place in central midfield, with Bathusi Aubaas dropping, while Peter Shalulile came in for Iqraam Rayners.
Full list: Ronwen Williams (c), Khuliso Mudau, Malibongwe Khoza, Keanu Cupido, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Miguel Reisinho, Tashreeq Matthews, Peter Shalulile, Nuno Santos.
Substitutes: Denis Onyango, Jayden Adams, Arthur Sales, Bathusi Aubaas, Kutlwano Lethlaku, Grant Kekana, Divine Lunga, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Lebogang Mothiba.
The second leg will be played on Sunday, 26 October at the Lucas Moripe Stadium at 15:30.
Also read: Ex-Downs star on Pirates’ hot form: ‘People are bored with Sundowns’
