Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns have one foot in the Caf Champions League group stage after an impressive 4-0 win over the Burundian side at Azam Complex Stadium in Tanzania on Friday.
Lucas Ribeiro grabbed a first half brace as Sundowns went into the break leading 3-0, with Lesiba Nku getting the other goal.
The game was played at a neutral venue as Bumamuru’s home ground doesn’t comply with CAF’s requirements to host inter-club matches.
Sundowns welcomed back lethal striker Peter Shalulile who made a goalscoring return from injury after coming off the bench to grab his side’s fourth.
The return leg of the preliminary second round will be played two weeks from now. Sundowns are expected to secure a spot in the group stage of the competition.
The draw for the group stages will take place in October while the competition proper is set to kick off on 24 November.
Sundowns will take on Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday and then turn their attention to another cup competition when they battle Kaizer Chiefs in the second leg of their MTN8 semifinal with the winner set to contest the final.