South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns cruised to a dominant 5–1 victory over Nigerian champions Remo Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash, held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Remo Stars, who came into the game desperate for a response after losing three of their last four matches, struggled to cope with the pace and precision of the 2024 CAF Champions League runners-up.
The visitors opened the scoring just 12 minutes in when Tashreeq Matthews curled in a fine effort from the edge of the box to put Sundowns ahead. Despite Remo’s attempts to settle into the game, Peter Shalulile doubled the advantage for the South Africans three minutes before halftime, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Obasa Adebiyi.
After the break, Sundowns tightened their grip on the match. In the 61st minute, Khuliso Mudau’s darting run down the right flank set up Portuguese midfielder Miguel Reisinho, who finished from close range to make it 3–0.
Remo Stars’ best chance came in the 72nd minute when Samson Olasupo’s effort rattled the crossbar. But moments later, Arthur Sales extended the visitors’ lead with a composed strike to put the game beyond reach.
Olasupo finally gave the home fans something to cheer about when he pulled one back for Coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s side, but Sundowns restored their four-goal cushion in the 85th minute through Tsiki Nsabeleng — his first goal in Masandawana colours.
The emphatic win gives Sundowns a commanding advantage heading into the return leg scheduled for October 26 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Remo Stars, still chasing their first-ever CAF Champions League group stage appearance, will need a near-miraculous performance in South Africa to keep their continental dreams alive.
