Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a 2-0 win over Angola’s Petro de Luanda in the African Football League quarter-final tie on Saturday at the Estadio 11 de Novembro.
This was the second encounter of the competition after Simba FC and Al Ahly FC played out to an entertaining 2-2 draw on Friday.
The last time the two sides met was in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals in the 2021/22 season.
The Angolan giants won 3-2 on aggregate as they progressed to the next round of the competition.
Marcelo Allende and Thapelo Maseko we on the scoresheet for the reigning DStv Premiership champions.
DRASTIC CHANGES IN MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LINE-UP
Masandawana made many changes from the team that played against TS Galaxy on Wednesday in the Carling Knockout Cup.
They welcomed back their core players who were with Bafana Bafana and they all started the match. These are namely; Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Mothobi Mvala, Grant Kekana and Themba Zwane.
GOALESS AT THE BREAK
It was an intense first half as both teams were trying to settle down to get an early goal. They created numerous goalscoring opportunities but both remained solid and disciplined at the back.
The hosts came closer to opening the scoring via a penalty in the 42nd minute. Bafana’s number one Ronwen Williams showed his class, putting a double save.
The scoreline remained unchanged for the remainder of the half.
CLINICAL MAMELODI SUNDOWNS IN THE FINAL THIRD
Marcelo Allende finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute to hand the visitors a lead in Angola.
In the 81st minute, Thapelo Maseko doubled the lead to hand Masandawana a well-deserved lead.
The return leg of the tie will be played on Tuesday 24 October as Sundowns makes a return to Loftus Stadium, Pretoria for the first time this season.
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