Mamelodi Sundowns took a commanding step towards the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a convincing 3–0 victory over Mali’s Stade Malien in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Friday evening in Pretoria.
The South African champions delivered a disciplined and clinical performance at home, scoring once in the first half before adding two more after the break to put themselves firmly in control ahead of the return leg in Mali.
Sundowns dominated early possession and threatened through long-range efforts, with Teboho Mokoena trying his luck from distance in the opening minutes. The hosts continued to press, forcing several corners and testing goalkeeper N’Golo Traoré, who produced a number of saves to keep the Malian side in the contest.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 33rd minute when defender Khuliso Mudau finished from close range following a dangerous delivery into the box from Arthur Sales. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review, giving the hosts a deserved 1–0 lead at the interval.
Stade Malien attempted to respond early in the second half and created opportunities through Ousmane Coulibaly and Taddeus Nkeng, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams remained alert to deny the visitors.
Sundowns doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Brayan León turned home from close range after a well-placed cross from Nuno Santos.
The hosts continued to control proceedings and made attacking changes in the second half, introducing Iqraam Rayners to maintain pressure on the visitors.
Their dominance was rewarded again in the 73rd minute when Rayners found the back of the net with a composed finish from inside the box after being set up by Santos. The goal was briefly reviewed by VAR before being confirmed, sealing a comfortable 3–0 lead for the hosts.
The result gives Mamelodi Sundowns a strong advantage heading into the second leg, while Stade Malien will need a major turnaround at home to keep their continental ambitions alive.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
