Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed Mbabane Swallows 4-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
CAF Champions League
Result: Mbabane Swallows 0-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 14 September 2024
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns made wholesale changes following their defeat to Stellenbosch on the MTN8 semi-final second-leg, as Iqraam Rayners and Asekho Tiwani were handed their debuts in the line-up amd shot-stopper Ronwen Williams returned from his injury.
The Brazilians were ahead within the first three minutes thanks to a penalty dispatched by Lucas Ribeiro Costa after a foul on Tiwani in the box.
As Masandawana began to gain control, Mosa Lebusa doubled their lead on 17 minutes with a header from a corner kick by Riveiro.
Manqoba Mngqithi's charges had an injury blow shortly before the half-hour mark, after Arthur Sales picked up a knock and he was replaced by Thapelo Maseko.
The hosts did not lose their momentum, as immediately after that Rayners almost made it 3-0 with a curling shot that was saved by the Swallows goalkeeper.
Masandawana remained on the front foot and Rayners eventually made it 3-0 just before the break with a composed finish in the box.
For all your exclusive football content and breaking news, join our WhatsApp Channel here!
The Tshwane giants had an ideal start to the second stanza, as ten minutes later Ribeiro made it 4-0 and completed his brace with a strike into the bottom corner after he turned around his marker.
Sundowns were threatening to run riot after that as they brought on Peter Shalulile in place of Costa for fresh legs upfront.
However, the Brazilians lost their intensity somewhat in the closing stages, even though the pinned the Eswatini giants in their own half and settled for a 4-0 victory.
Sundowns and Umkhonto Kashaka will complete the tie next Saturday in the second-leg at the same stadium.
Before then, Masandawana will open their Betway Premiership campaign against SuperSport United on Tuesday.
Here's how they line up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Morena, Kekana, Lebusa, Tiwani, Coetzee, Maboe, Allende, Rayners, Sales, Ribeiro.
Subs: Onyango, Khoza, Modiba, Zwane, Kodisang, Mkhulise, De Reuck, Maseko, Shalulile
