Sundowns finish top of Group A after win against TP Mazembe

Mamelodi Sundowns have secured top position in the CAF Champions League Group A following a 1-0 win against TP Mazembe on Saturday afternoon in Pretoria.

Peter Shalulile converted from the spot kick seven minutes before the half-time break at Lucas Moripe Stadium to hand Sundowns the win.

It was the fourth win in six matches in the group for Masandawana, who had already secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League before the match.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FINISH CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGE WITH FOUR WINS

Sundowns welcomed back captain Themba Zwane into the starting lineup after starting the match against AmaZulu on the bench. Peter Shalulile was also back in the starting eleven after being benched against Usuthu.

Zimbabwean international Divine Lunga was benched for the match despite a great showing in the last two matches. His place was taken by Moroccan defender Abdelmounaim Boutouil.

As expected the home side dominated the first half and had better chances to grab an earlier lead. Despite the resistance by the visitor’s defense Sundowns were awarded a penalty late in the first half after a foul on Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Shalulile stepped up to convert despite what looked like an argument on who to take the kick between him and Marcelo Allende to take the match to take a 1-0 lead at half-time. Sundowns nearly scored a second from a stunning free-kick by Teboho Mokoena, but Mazembe keeper Alioune Faty produced a stunning save.

Mazembe also had two good chances in the second half with striker Joel Beya posing a serious threat but nothing came out of it. Sundowns finished the group with 13 points, while Mazembe finished second with 10 points.

MASANDAWANA ARE STILL MISSING THE FOLLOWING PLAYERS DUE TO INJURIES

Mothobi Mvala: Ankle injury. Stage three rehabilitation
Khuliso Mudau: Ankle injury. Stage three rehabilitation
Rivaldo Coetzee: A knee injury. Stage four rehabilitation
Siyanda Nyanga: Knee injury, post operation. Stage three rehabilitation
Lesiba Nku: Adductor injury. Stage two rehabilitation
Thapelo Maseko: Hamstring injury. Stage three rehabilitation
Sipho Mbule: Illness

RELATED STORY: How much Sundowns bagged for reaching CAF CL quarter-finals