Mamelodi Sundowns qualified for the CAF Champions League group stages with a 6-0 aggregate win over Bumamuru, although they did lose one of their stars to injury.
CAF Champions League
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 2 (6)- (0) 0 Bumamuru
Date: 30 September 2023
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns made six changes from their win over Stellenbosch in midweek, as Denis Onyango, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Lebohang Maboe, Khuliso Mudau and Lucas Ribeiro Costa were all brought in.
After starting on the front foot, the Brazilians were forced to make a change within ten minutes after Costa got injured and he was replaced by Thapelo Morena.
However, Sundowns had a good reaction as Mothobi Mvala gave them the lead just a minute later and made it 5-0 on aggregate with a header in the box from a cross.
Rulani Mokwena's charges remained on the front foot and Morena came close to doubling their lead on 24 minutes with a strike on the edge of the box that missed narrowly wide.
Sundowns looked to open up Bumamuru with slick passing movements on the edge of the box but Bumamuru were able to block their attacks and clear their lines.
However, Thapelo Maseko had a good chance to double the lead for the hosts just before the break after he dribbled his way through on goal but his shot flashed just wide.
The Brazilians had a perfect start in the second stanza as Mokoena doubled their lead and made it 6-0 on aggregate four minutes from the break with a cracking strike from range.
Bumamuru could not turnover the Sundowns defence when they had the ball and another chance fell for the Brazilians just before the hour-mark as Maseko forced a save out of goalkeeper Haile Nduwimana with a header.
With the Brazilians' intensity going down, Mokwena brought the fresh legs after 66 minutes, as Junior Mendieta, Brian Onyango and Sphelele Mkhulise were brought on.
Sundowns circulated the ball well in the closing stages, with no resistance from Bumamuru, as they clinched a 2-0 win and a commanding 6-0 victory that sent them through to the group stages.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: D.Onyango, Mvala, Lebusa, Zungu, Mudau, Mokoena, Modiba, Maseko, Zwane, Maboe, Ribeiro
Subs: Williams, De Reuck, B.Onyango, Mkhulise, Morena, Maema, Ngobeni, Mendieta, Shalulile
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