Ribeiro bags brace as Sundowns thump Mbabane Swallows in CAF CL clash

Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa netted a brace as Mamelodi Sundowns thumped Mbabane Swallows 4-0 in the first-leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.

Iqraam Rayners scored his first goal in the Brazilians colours having joined the club this transfer window while Mosa Lebusa also found the back of the net.

Swallows hosted the match at Lucas Moripe, usually Sundowns’ backyard due to the unavailability of CAF-approved stadiums in Eswatini.

The South African champions took an early lead in the 3rd minute when Ribeiro Costa successfully converted a penalty kick, awarded following a foul on Asekho Tiwani in the penalty area.

In the 10th minute, Sandanezwe Mathabela made a crucial save, preventing Arthur Sales from scoring from a close distance after Ribeiro had set him up in the box.

Manqoba Mngqithi’s team maintained control of the match with Swallows finding it challenging to cope with the pressure applied by their rivals.

In the 17th minute, Lebusa doubled the lead for the Betway Premiership side, scoring a header after a corner kick from Ribeiro. 

Sundowns made a forced change moments later, bringing on Thapelo Maseko after Sales picked up a knock.

The Tshwane giants continued to create multiple opportunities, despite the opponents having a significant presence in the box to prevent conceding further goals.

IQRAAM RAYNERS’ FIRST GOAL IN SUNDOWNS COLOURS

In the 39th minute, Rayners added the third goal for the 2016 African champions, successfully converting a pass from Ribeiro. This was his first goal in the Brazilians’ colours after joining from Stellenbosch FC.

Sundowns were leading 3-0 at halftime. The Tshwane giants resumed play, maintaining a dominant share of possession as they aimed to rattle in more goals.

In the 54th minute, Ribeiro netted his second goal after receiving a well-placed through pass from Rayners, who had previously scored the third goal in the first half.

Shortly thereafter, Malibongwe Khoza made his debut for the first team, replacing Lebusa while Peter Shalulile came on for Ribeiro.

Mathabela made several crucial saves, notably thwarting two efforts from Shalulile, who is still looking to regain his form. Sundowns will go to the second leg with a significant advantage of four away goals.

The second-leg will take place at the same venue, Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 21 September with kickoff set for 6:00 pm.

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