Mamelodi Sundowns have cruised into the CAF Champions League group stage after completing a dominant 7-1 aggregate win over Nigeria’s Remo Stars.
Mamelodi Sundowns sealed the job with a 2-0 win in Sunday’s second leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
Even though they held a comfortable advantage from their first-leg triumph in Abeokuta, the South African champions showed no signs of slowing down. Nuno Santos and Peter Shalulile were on target as the Brazilians extended their unbeaten run in continental football.
The hosts wasted little time stamping their authority on the match. Khuliso Mudau came close in the opening minutes, cutting in from the right before forcing a fine save from the Remo Stars goalkeeper.
The pressure paid off in the 21st minute when Aubrey Modiba’s high press won back possession deep in the visitors’ half. His clever cut-back found Nuno Santos, who calmly slotted home to open the scoring.
With their trademark passing rhythm and pressing intensity, Sundowns dictated the game. Just before half-time, Modiba turned provider again, floating in a corner that fell kindly for Shalulile to steer beyond the Remo Stars defence, making it 2-0.
Remo Stars tried to find their way back after the break. Samson Olasupo came closest, first firing into the side netting and later dragging a low shot just wide.
At the other end, Shalulile was denied a second by a brave block, while goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi produced several sharp stops to keep the scoreline respectable.
Ogun voice reports that Remo Stars have failed to go beyond the preliminary stage of the CAF Champions League following four successive attempts. Their exit means Rivers United remains Nigeria’s only club still active in CAF competitions this season, following their 3-2 aggregate win over Black Bulls of Mozambique.
