Mamelodi Sundowns qualified for the CAF Champions League knockout rounds after thrashing Egyptian giants Al Ahly 5-2 on Saturday afternoon.
CAF Champions League
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 Al Ahly
Date: 11 March 2023
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
Coach Rulani Mokwena recalled the likes of Ronwen Williams, Cassius Mailula, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane and Marcelo Allende was drafted back into the line-up after the draw with Stellenbosch last weekend.
The Brazilians got off to the perfect start, as Allende picked a pass from Zwane before finding the bottom corner from the edge of the box after just three minutes in the first half.
Al Ahly weren't behind for too long as an error as Mohamed Sherif marked his return to the line-up with expert finish into the bottom corner from just outside the area, after Aubrey MOdiba lost the ball while trying to play out from the back.
Mokwena's did not seem affected by the equaliser as they continued to dictate play, with the side restoring their lead on 24 minutes when Zwane got on the end of Mothobi Mvala's knockdown before calmly slotting past Mohammed El Shenawy.
Sundowns would go on to give the home fans something to shout about once again, as Mokoena grabbed the third goal with a superb strike from distance five minutes before the halftime break.
The visitors did manage to reduce the deficit on the hour mark as Percy Tau skipped past Modiba before firing into the far corner for his first goal in the group stages this season.
Mokwena responded by introducing the speedy Thapelo Morena for Modiba, who had a tough afternoon of dealing with Tau at left-back.
However, Sundowns restored their two-goal advantage with 16 minutes to play as Neo Maema did well play in Peter Shalulile down the right, with the Namibian taking one touch before firing into the back of the net.
There was enough time for the home side to grab a fifth goal with three minutes left on the clock, as Allende's first time pass played in Shalulile, who skipped his marker before firing into the bottom corner to wrap up a big win.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Mudau, Mvala, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Zwane, Mailula, Maema, Shalulile
Subs: D.Onyango, Boutouil, B.Onyango, Domingo, Mbule, Morena, Ralani, Mashego, Ngobeni
Al Ahly: El Shenawy, Abdelmonem, Ali Maaloul, Yasser Ibrahim, Hany, Fathi, Dieng, Kendouci, Tau, Tahir, Sherif.
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