Sundowns book CAF Champions League semi-finals spot

Mamelodi Sundowns beat Algeria’s CR Belouizdad 2-1 to book a place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals on Saturday afternoon at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria. 

Sundowns had won the first leg 4-1, completing a 6-2 aggregate win at home in front of their fans, who came in numbers to support them. 

The match started slowly, with the two teams trying to figure out each other’s game plan.

As the first half progressed, the visitors failed to capitalise on their clear-cut chances as the DStv Premiership champions remained solid at the back. 

However, the Algerian side upped the ante and finally broke the deadlock in the 24th minute through Bouchra. 

Despite Belouizdad taking the lead, the home side was never discouraged as they pushed forward in numbers to find an equaliser. 

Right on the stroke of half-time, Themba Zwane levelled matters. 

LEVEL AT THE BREAK 

After an end-to-end first half, the contest went into the interval with both teams level with a 1-1 scoreline.

In the second stanza, the hosts began the half on the front foot, aiming to add to the scoreline. 

SUNDOWNS BEAT BELOUIZDAD

Just four minutes into the second half, Thapelo Morena finally scored the second goal for the Brazilians. 

After Sundowns’ second goal, Belouizdad tried to gain some dominance, but Rulani Mokwena’s Boys stood their ground.

The Chloorkop-based side continued to put in a resilient defensive performance to rebuff the efforts of the visitors’ attackers. 

As a result, Sundowns cruised into the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2019 with a 6-2 win on aggregate. 

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