Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sunodwns reached the CAF Champions League group stage after securing a 3-1 win over Jwaneng Galaxy in the first-round second-leg match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Kermit Erasmus opened the scoring before Mothobi Mvala and Thapelo Morena extended the Brazilian’s lead, while Tebogo Sembowa grabbed Botswana champions Galaxy’s late consolation goal.
Sundowns were looking to avoid a defeat in order to advance to the group stage having claimed a 2-0 win in the first-leg encounter which took place in Lobatse a fortnight ago.
Kennedy Mweene, Andile Jali and Erasmus made their return to the starting line-up as co-coaches made three changes to the team which faced Orlando Pirates over the weekend.
Sundowns held on to win 3-1 on the day and they advanced to the group stage after winning the tie 5-1 on aggregate, while Galaxy crashed out of the tournament.
Meanwhile Kaizer Chiefs progressed to the CAF Champions League group stages for the first time after a 1-0 aggregate win over CD Primero de Agosto in the first round on Tuesday evening.
Chiefs made three changes from the goalless draw in the first-leg, as Lazarous Kambole, Darrel Matsheke and Bernard Parker were handed starts.
However, it was the Soweto giants who went ahead 41 minutes in as Leonardo Castro pounced on a left-sided cross from Khama Billiat to slot into the back of the net.
Samir Nurkovic made a long-awaited return for the visitors after coming off the bench on 75 minutes to replace Matsheke, with the match hanging in the balance.
The first leg ended in a goalless draw at the FNB Stadium however one goal proved enough on the day for the Soweto giants.