Mamelodi Sundowns secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over TP Mazembe in their CAF Champions League round one first leg clash at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.

 

The hosts looked the better side in the early stages as Tebogo Langerman caused problems for TP Mazembe on the left wing.

 

Mazembe had a chance to open the scoring in the eighth minute but Dennis Onyango was aware of the danger and kept Assale's effort out.

 

Khama Billiat threatened the Mazembe goal on numerous occasions in the first half. He put the ball in the back of the net in the 22nd minute but it was ruled out for offside and then had a shot on target from inside the area saved by Kidiaba.

 

Disaster struck for the visitors three minutes before half-time as they were reduced to 10 men. Chongo Kabaso received his marching orders after a foul on Anthony Laffor. 

 

Onyango was called upon to make a rare save in the 57th minute. He charged off his line and dispossessed the Mazembe striker before he could get a shot away.

 

The visitors looked content to sit back and defend the draw as the second half wore on while the likes of Teko Modise continued to look for openings. He forced a good save from the Mazembe keeper just past the hour mark after beating a defender.

 

The crucial breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute as Billiat scored with a brilliant strike to give the hosts the lead.

 

Kalaba had a late chance to level matters in the 88th minute but his shot went wide and Sundowns celebrated a first-leg victory.

 

Sundowns: Onyango, Langerman, Schut, Mphahlele, S.Zwane, Zungu, Kekana, T.Zwane, Laffor, Billiat, Malajila

 

TP Mazembe: Kidiaba, Mpela, Kilicho, Coulibaly, Assale, Samata, Singuluma, Kabaso, Kouama, Kalaba, Diara