Mamelodi Sundowns moved closer to the semifinals of the CAF Champions League after defeating Stade Malien 3–0 in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in South Africa on Friday.
Goals from Khuliso Mudau, Brayan Leon and Iqraam Rayners sealed a dominant victory for the South African champions.
Sundowns took the lead in the 34th minute when Mudau finished low across goalkeeper N’Golo Traore after a through pass from Arthur Sales, although the goal was initially ruled offside it was later confirmed following a VAR review.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 54th minute as Nuno Santos delivered a precise cross for Leon to control and fire past Traore.
Substitute Rayners added the third in the 74th minute, converting another cross from Santos.
The effort was first flagged offside but was also awarded after a VAR check confirmed he was onside.
The second leg will be played on 22 March at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.
The aggregate winners will face either Esperance de Tunis of Tunisia or Egypt’s Al Ahly in the semifinals.
Supersport/Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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