South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a masterclass performance on Sunday, dismantling Nigerian champions Remo Stars 5-1 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie, Afrosport reports.
The match, held at the MKO Abiola sports arena in Abeokuta, highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides, with the South African Premier Division champions asserting their dominance from the outset.
Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring early, setting the tone for a relentless Sundowns display. Star striker Peter Shalulile doubled the lead before the break, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Miguel Reisinho added a third in the 61st minute, before Arthur Sales and Tsiki Ntsabeleng capped off a five-star showing for the visitors.
Remo Stars managed a consolation goal through Samson Olasupo in the 77th minute, but it did little to change the complexion of the game as the Sky Blue Stars were thoroughly outclassed on home soil.
With a commanding 5-1 advantage, Sundowns head into the return leg in Pretoria with one foot firmly in the group stage, as they pursue a second CAF Champions League title.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s other representatives, Rivers United, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Black Bulls of Mozambique. Despite the loss, the Pride of Rivers remain hopeful of overturning the deficit when they return home for the second leg.
