CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns thump Remo Stars with commanding away win in Nigeria

The visitors made a dream start as Tashreeq Matthews broke the deadlock just 12 minutes in, curling home a superb strike from outside the box. But their momentum took a hit ten minutes later when defender Malibongwe Khoza was forced off with an injury, prompting an early substitution as Grant Kekana stepped in. 

Despite the setback, Sundowns maintained their attacking intent. Miguel Cardoso’s men continued to press and the pressure eventually paid off three minutes before the break, as Peter Shalulile calmly slotted home to hand the Brazilians a commanding 2-0 lead heading into half-time.  

Early in the second half, the hosts looked to break through Sundowns’ lines, pushing forward in search of a response. But the visitors stayed compact, shutting down space quickly and springing into transition to create chances of their own.

Their pressure paid off on the hour mark. Khuliso Mudau powered past his marker down the flank and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Miguel Reisinho arrived at the right moment to steer the ball home and extend Sundowns’ lead to 3-0.

The hosts had chances of their own, including a strike that rattled the crossbar. But Sundowns made theirs count - Arthur Sales connected with a crisp volley to add a fourth. Remo Stars did manage to pull one back late on, with Samson Olasupo beating goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to find the net.   

Sundowns continued to capitalise on the hosts’ errors, with substitute Katlego Ntsabeleng making an instant impact to slot home the fifth. With a 5-1 victory in the bag, the Brazilians return to South Africa full of confidence ahead of the second leg.  

The Brazilians return to South Africa with breathing room ahead of the second leg against Remo Stars on Sunday, 26 October, as their midweek Premier Soccer League clash with Sekhukhune United has been postponed.