Sundowns put one foot in CAF Champions League semis

Mamelodi Sundowns produced a convincing performance to defeat Algerian side CR Belouizdad 4-1 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final clash at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Saturday night.

A brace from Peter Shalulile and goals by Neo Maema and Cassius Mailula gave Sundowns a big advantage in the two-legged tie.

Since winning the Champions League in 2016, Sundowns have not made it beyond the quarters in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons. But following their impressive display in Algeria, they have one foot in the semi-finals.

The Tshwane giants were quick to stamp their authority and found an opening goal through Peter Shalulile’s powerful header in the sixth minute of the game.

Sundowns kept dominating the ball position in search of the second goal, but they were let down by misplaced passes in the final third.

The second goal eventually came when Shalulile played a low pass to find Neo Maema, who converted from a close range in the 20th minute.

Belouizdad pulled one back on a stoke of half-time after Miloud Rebiai towered over Sundowns defenders to score a header.

The referee blew the half-time whistle with Sundowns leading 2-1 with goals courtesy of Shalulile and Maema.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DOMINANT

Six minutes into the second half, Sundowns made it 3-1 through Shalulile. The latter netted his second goal of the match after capitalising on the opposition’s defensive error.

The Chloorkop-based side kept piling the pressure on Belouizdad, but their defence remained resolute. Shalulile came close to completing his hat-trick as he hit the post.

However, second-half substitute Cassius Mailula scored the fourth goal in added time to close off an impressive night for Sundowns.

The emphatic display also sees Bafana Ba Style get back to winning ways. They were on a four-match winless run in all competitions.

They take advantage into the second leg set be played in South Africa on Saturday, 29 April 2023.

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