Mamelodi Sundowns placed one foot in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League on Friday night, dismantling Malian side Stade Malien 3-0 in their quarter-final first-leg clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
A first-half strike from Khuliso Mudau, followed by second-half goals from Brayan Leon and Iqraam Rayners, ensured the 2016 African champions secured a commanding cushion ahead of the return leg in Bamako.
While Masandawana dictated the early proceedings, their initial attempts failed to yield a breakthrough. Tashreeq Matthews came closest to an opener in the 20th minute, weaving past a Stade Malien defender before being denied by a timely intervention from goalkeeper N’Golo Traore. Despite Sundowns’ relentless pressure, the visitors’ backline initially held firm.
MUDAU BREAKS THE DEADLOCK FOR SUNDOWNS
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 34th minute. Khuliso Mudau showed his international pedigree, finishing off a surging run from the right flank to ignite the Loftus crowd. Although the linesman initially flagged for offside, a swift Video Assistant Referee [VAR] review overturned the decision, confirming the opener and giving the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead.
Arthur Sales missed a golden opportunity to double the lead just two minutes before the interval. In a one-on-one situation with only the keeper to beat, his effort was comfortably smothered by a well-positioned N’Golo Traore. Moments before the whistle, Nuno Santos’s vocal appeals for a penalty were waved away by Gabonese referee Atcho Pierre Ghislain, who allowed play to continue.
The second half began with Sundowns maintaining their relentless tempo. Within two minutes of the restart, Bafana Bafana star Mudau had a glorious chance to secure his brace, but he uncharacteristically pulled his shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Stade Malien briefly threatened to pull level five minutes later when Taddeus Nkeng Fomakwan was found unmarked, but his free header lacked the direction to trouble the hosts.
The hour mark brought more officiating drama as Matthews appeared to be tripped inside the area. Despite a lengthy VAR consultation, referee Ghislain stood by his original decision, denying Masandawana a spot-kick.
However, the pressure finally told in the 74th minute when Iqraam Rayners put the game beyond reach. Connecting with a pinpoint cross from Nuno Santos, Rayners’ clinical finish secured a three-goal cushion for the Brazilians.
The return leg is scheduled for Sunday, 22 March, in Bamako, Mali.
RELATED STORY: Mamelodi Sundowns to face Bundesliga side RB Leipzig