By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns registered a convincing 3–0 victory over Mali’s Stade Malien in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Friday evening in Tshwane.
Sundowns broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with Khuliso Mudau showing his international pedigree, finishing off a surging run from the right flank to ignite the crowd at Loftus Versveld stadium.
Although the linesman initially flagged for offside, a swift Video Assistant Referee [VAR] review overturned the decision, confirming the opener and giving the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead at the interval.
Stade Malien attempted to respond early in the second half and created opportunities through Ousmane Coulibaly and Taddeus Nkeng, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams remained alert to deny the visitors.
Sundowns doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Brayan León turned home from close range after a well-placed cross from Nuno Santos.
The hosts continued to control proceedings and made attacking changes in the second half, introducing Iqraam Rayners to maintain pressure on the visitors.
Their dominance was rewarded again in the 73rd minute when Rayners found the back of the net with a composed finish from inside the box after being set up by Santos. The goal was briefly reviewed by VAR before being confirmed, sealing a comfortable 3–0 lead for the hosts.
The result gives Sundowns a strong advantage heading into the second leg, while Stade Malien will need a major turnaround at home to keep their continental ambitions alive.