Mamelodi Sundowns secured an impressive 4-1 win away to CR Belouizdad in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final on Saturday night.
CAF Champions League
Result: CR Belouizdad 1-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 22 April 2023
Venue: Nelson Mandela Stadium
Sundowns made five changes following their defeat to Stellenbosch in the Nedbank Cup, as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Abdelmounaim Boutouil and Sipho Mbule were brought in while Marcelo Allende missed out with an ankle injury.
The Brazilians had the perfect start after Peter Shalulile gave them the lead within six minutes with a clinical header in the box after a well-weighted cross by Aubrey Modiba.
After a frantic start, the visitors settled into their passing game as Shalulile turned provider to pick out Neo Maema, who doubled the lead on 21 minutes with a first-time finish from 10 yards out.
Belouizdad upped their game after that, as they hurried Sundowns and limited their time on the ball, although they could not fashion opportunities in the last third.
The Great Chabab, however, put the Brazilians under more pressure towards the interval and Miloud Rebiai pulled a goal back with a towering header from a corner after Williams came off his line and could not collect.
The Tshwane giants had another dream start in the second stanza as Shalulile restored their two-goal buffer six minutes into the second stanza with a thunderbolt against the run of play.
The game opened up after that with changes on both ends and Leonel Wamba almost reduced the deficit for the Algerian side in the last 20 minutes with a close-range shot that was smothered by Williams.
Rulani Mokwena changed the approach in the closing stages with a triple substitution, as Cassius Mailula, Abubaker Nasir and Sphelele Mkhulise were introduced for fresh legs on the park/
Belouizdad were threatening with crosses in the area as they sent numbers forward but they were exposed at the back as Mailula made it 4-1 for Sundowns in stoppage time with a close-range finish.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mbule, Mvala, Boutouil, Mudau, Morena, Modiba, Mokoena, Zwane, Maema, Shalulile
Subs: D.Onyango, De Reuck, Zungu, Sirino, Mkhulise, Nasir, Mashego, Mailula, Maboe
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
