Mamelodi Sundowns added another memorable chapter to what has already been a remarkable year after coming from behind to beat RB Leipzig 3-1 at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Fresh from reclaiming the CAF Champions League crown, Masandawana once again showed their quality against international opposition.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FIGHT BACK AGAINST RB LEIPZIG
Despite several first-team regulars being away on national team duty, the Tshwane giants found a way to overcome one of Germany’s biggest clubs in front of a lively home crowd.
The visitors looked the sharper side in the opening stages and adapted quickly to the conditions in Pretoria.
Their reward arrived in the 22nd minute when a loose ball bounced kindly on the edge of the area for French youngster Samba Konaté.
The attacker reacted quickest and unleashed a superb first-time volley that gave the Sundowns goalkeeper no chance. It was a quality finish and one that silenced the home supporters.
Sundowns almost hit back before the half-hour mark when Peter Shalulile found himself with a glorious chance in front of goal. However, the experienced striker could not keep his effort on target as Leipzig carried their lead into halftime.
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SECOND HALF THRILLER
The second half belonged to the South African champions. Sundowns began to dominate possession, moving the ball with greater speed and purpose while forcing Leipzig deeper into their own half.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 76th minute when substitute Brayan Leon found space inside the penalty area and calmly slotted home the equaliser.
With momentum firmly on their side, Masandawana continued to push forward and were rewarded again in the 89th minute. Leon completed his brace after a slick attacking move, firing home to complete the turnaround and send the Lucas Moripe Stadium crowd into celebration.
Leipzig threw bodies forward in search of a late equaliser, but that only created more space for Sundowns on the counter-attack.
Deep into stoppage time, the 18-year-old Bennet Mokoena put the result beyond doubt with a trademark strike from distance after a swift breakaway. The final whistle confirmed a famous 3-1 victory for Sundowns, who once again demonstrated why they remain one of the leading teams on the African continent.
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