Mamelodi Sundowns booked their spot in the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League after beating Nouadhibou 2-0 in the penultimate group game on Saturday evening.
CAF Champions League
Result: FC Nouadhibou 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 24 February 2024
Venue: Stade Cheikha Boidiy
Sundowns were boosted by the return of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba, Peter Shalulile and Teboho Mokoena.
Masandawana also recovered Lucas Ribeiro Costa from injury, as he started on the bench alongside the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch and Matias Esquivel.
Sundowns started brightly, as they put Nouadhibou's defence under pressure as on 13 minutes Marcelo Allende had a good shot in the box blocked.
Grant Kekana eventually broke the deadlock for Rulani Mokwena's charges midway into the first stanza with a close-range shot from a free-kick delivery by Allende.
The visitors remained on the front foot as just after the half-hour mark Mokoena came close to doubling their lead with a threatening shot that missed narrowly wide.
The Tshwane giants had a big chance to take a two-goal lead to the break after goalkeeper Mamoudou M'bodj was dispossessed by Mokoena, who had his shot blocked and Shalulile could also not capitalse from the rebound.
The second stanza got off to a quick start as the hosts made their attacking intentions clear but Sundowns had the first real chance of the second stanza, four minutes in, after Allende forced a save out of M'bodj.
The Brazilians gained momentum as Allende also had a chance on the hour-mark but his shot was saved by M'bodj.
Sundowns continued to pressurize Nouadhibou and with 20 minutes to go, Mokwena changed his tactics as he brought on Esquivel, Costa and Lorch in places of Shalulile, Sirino and Modiba.
Masandawana had chances to seal the three points in the dying minutes and Lorch eventually settled the contest with the second goal with a left-footed strike in the box after he was setup by Mokoena.
The Brazilians booked their spot in the knockout stages with a match to spare as they remained top of Group A.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mebusa, Kekana, Modiba, Lunga, Zungu, Mokoena, Allende, Zwane, Sirino, Shalulile
Subs: D.Onyango, Mdunyelwa, Lorch, Boutouil, Esquivel, Ribeiro, Mbule, Matthes, Maboe
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