Mamelodi Sundowns clinched top spot in Group A of the CAF Champions league after after defeating TP Mazembe 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
CAF Champions League
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 TP Mazembe
Date: 02 March 2024
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns' initial preparations for the tie were dented after they had to find an alternate venue after Loftus Versfeld was being used for rugby, while the FNB Stadium was used for Kaizer Chiefs' clash with Moroka Swallows.
Coach Rulani Mokwena made just a couple changes from the win over AmaZulu in midweek, as Gaston Sirino made way for Peter Shalulile while Boutouil returned in place of Bongani Zungu.
The Brazilians dominated possession in the early stages of the encounter against a young Mazembe outfit but were finding it tough to carve out clear cut chances even with Lucas Costa Ribeiro getting some joy down the flanks.
The home side's domination paid after 35 minutes when the influential Ribeiro won a penalty after being brought down in the box. Shalulile stepped up and calmly slotted home, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way in the process.
While Sundowns only managed to score one goal, Mazembe had a tough time of finding a way to trouble goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.
The second half got off to a lively start, with Themba Zwane forcing a good save out of goalkeeper Alioune Faty while Zuko Mdunyelwa popped up with a vital block to deny a certain goal at the other end.
Mokwena opted for a double change just after the hour mark, as Terrence Mashego, Thembinkosi Lorch and Thapelo replaced Ribeiro, Shalulile and Boutouil for the final 30 minutes of the second half.
Even with the flurry of changes from the hosts, they continued to dominate as the second half continued and Lorch went close to doubling the lead but sent his lef-footed strike wide of the upright.
Mazembe had a big chance to bag the equaliser with three minutes left on the clock after Patient Mwamba pounced on a mix-up in the Sundowns defence, however the midfielder dragged his effort wide with only Williams to beat.
In the end, Sundowns were able to see out the closing stages to secure maximum points, which sees the side clinch top spot in the group.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mdunyelwa, Kekana, Lebusa, Boutouil, Mokoena, Maboe, Allende, Zwane, Ribeiro, Shalulile
Subs: D.Onyango, B.Onyango, Lorch, Mashego, Aubaas, Mendieta, Morena, Matthews, Esquivel
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