A brace from Brayan Leon secured Mamelodi Sundowns a spot in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 win against MC Alger at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon.
The Colombian striker scored in each half to see Masandawana through.”
The match was as tense as its build-up during the week, with reports that long-term analyst Mario Masha was suspended for allegedly leaking tactical and training information with MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SHOW THEIR DOMINANCE AGAINST MC ALGER
The home side dominated the early stages and were quickly rewarded in the sixth minute. Colombian striker Brayan Leon pounced from inside the box from a rebound after a powerful shot by Arthur Sales was blocked by the MC Alger defence.
The visitors’ first clear chance of the match came in the 26th minute via Anatouf Moslem, whose shot from a corner went over the bar.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Picture by Thabang Mofutsanyane/Enk Sports/FARPost
Teboho Mokoena nearly grabbed a double for the home side but miscued a shot from an Aubrey Modiba corner kick. Masandwana went into the half-time break leading 1-0. The two benches had to be separated going into the tunnel after a clash erupted.
The visitors made two changes at the beginning of the second half. Anatouf Moslem made way for Saliou Bangoura, while Tarbi Tabti also made way for Mohammed Reda Halaimia
A BRACE FROM BRAYAN LEON WAS ENOUGH TO SECURE MASANDAWANA A QUARTER-FINAL SPOT
Sundowns also made their first change in the 61st minute, bringing in Marcelo Allende for Tashreeq Matthews. They were immediately rewarded two minutes later after Leon netted his second of the game from a Modiba cross.
The two benches again had to be separated by the match officials after another exchange erupted from the two technical teams.
Sundowns brought in veteran midfielder Themba Zwane for the injured Arthur Sales with 20 minutes remaining.
Despite both teams making attempts to score, the match ended 2-0 in favour of Mamelodi Sundowns.
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