In a landmark moment for South African football, Mamelodi Sundowns finally conquered the Nigerian hoodoo by claiming a decisive 5-1 victory against Remo Stars in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
The match, played at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Ogun State on Sunday, saw Sundowns rewrite the history books, overcoming a long-standing jinx of South African clubs failing to secure a win on Nigerian soil in previous Champions League encounters.
For years, the prospect of facing Nigerian teams proved daunting for Sundowns. Their previous encounters had ended in disappointment, as they suffered defeats to formidable opponents like Lobi Stars and Enyimba.
However, the class and maturity displayed by Sundowns in Sunday’s match indicate a significant shift in the team’s fortunes and mentality when competing away from home.
At the start, the Betway Premiership champions fielded a new attacking trio, integrating new signings Miguel Reisinho and Nuno Santos with prolific striker Peter Shalulile for their first match together.
After a fast-paced start to the game, Sundowns gained control in the 12th minute when Tashreeq Matthews pounced on a loose ball just outside the box and unleashed a stunning shot that rocketed into the top corner (1-0).
As the first half unfolded, Stars, the Nigerian Premier League champions, began to assert some influence, attempting to claw their way back into the match. Their midfielders started finding space and orchestrating plays, but Sundowns’ resolute defence held firm, effectively clearing any danger that arose and frustrating their Nigerian rivals.
Three minutes from halftime, Sundowns added to their tally when Shalulile demonstrated his sharp instincts by racing onto a perfectly timed through pass before slotting the ball calmly into the bottom corner.
In the closing moments of the half, Stars nearly delivered a lifeline with a point-blank opportunity. However, Sundowns’ goalkeeper Rowen Williams was equal to the challenge, producing an excellent save to deny their opponents a much-needed goal.
With a 2-0 lead, Sundowns showcased their dominance and will hope to maintain their momentum in the second half. Stars would have to regroup and strategise if they were to mount a comeback.
Stars showed greater commitment at the start of the second half and enjoyed a greater share of possession. Sundowns were content to sit back, but when they turned over possession, they were hard to contain.
On one such counter-attack just past the hour mark, Sundowns wing-back Khuliso Mudau set off on a penetrative run down the right flank. After attracting the attention of three opposition defenders, he slipped the ball to Reisinho, who had an easy tap-in (3-0).
Stars responded strongly, but three minutes later they hit the crossbar. To add insult to injury, Sundowns greeted the let-off with their fourth goal through Arthur Sales in the 75th minute (4-0).
There was some respite for the home side when their lanky striker, Samson Olasupo, scored moments later to great acclaim, denying Sundowns’ keeper Rowen Williams his usual clean sheet. However, the fans were hardly back in their seats when substitute Katlego ‘Tsiki’ Ntsabeleng closed out the scoring four minutes from the end of regulation time (5-1).
