Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies continued with their fine form in the CAF Women’s Champions League group stage with a 5-0 win over Wadi Degla at Grand Stade de Marrakech Stadium on Thursday night.
The victory saw Banyana Ba Style cruise their way into the tournament’s semifinals with a game to spare, thanks to goals by Lelona Daweti, Melinda Kgadiete, Bambanani Mbane and a brace from Boitumelo Rabale.
Daweti broke the deadlock in the 10th minute of the contest to put his side in front.
The showdown turned scrappy and congested as the two teams looked to establish control in midfield.
As the half progressed, it was an encouraging period for the Brazilians, as Kgadiete added to the scoreline in the 24th minute.
Downs Ladies spent the majority of the first half toiling at their opponents’ goals.
The showpiece went into the interval with Jerry Tshabalala’s troops leading the Egyptian side by 2-0.
Masandawana steamed into the second stanza brightly and the rampant Tshwane giants couldn’t be contained.
In the 60th minute of the clash, Rabale scored the third goal for the South African champions.
Sundowns continued to dictate the match and were able to add another goal through Rabale, who completed her brace on the day, who also completed his brace in the 65th minute.
Just 11 minutes after the restart, Mbane slotted the fifth goal for the defending champions with a beautiful header.
The final whistle blew with the red-hot Brazilians claiming all the value three points to consolidate their top spot.
As thing stand, Sundowns are flourishing on summit of Group B with six points from two outing and booked their spot in the tournament’s semis.
TSHABALALA’S WORDS
Before the game, coach Tshabalala had urged his side to be more clinical in front of goals and his players did not disappoint as they did what he asked of them.
“We know they will be eager for maximum points, considering that they lost their opening game to TP Mazembe. Therefore, we need to dominate possession in the key areas and finish off our chances,” Tshabalala told Sundowns’ media before the game.
“To become champions again, we will be tested across all fronts; therefore, our next task is to prevail in the battle against the Egyptian champions.”
Masandawana will face TP Mazembe of DR Congo on Sunday, 6 November in their last game of the group stage matches at Grand Stade de Marrakech Stadium.
