Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns joined AmaZulu in the CAF Champions League group stages after defeating Maniema Union 2-0 in the second leg of their second preliminary round tie.
After bagging two away goals in the first leg, Sundowns nearly got the early after seven minutes but Peter Shalulile saw his header cleared off the line.
The hosts did go on to bag the opening goal on 22 minutes in spectacular fashion courtesy of an impressive free-kick from Lyle Lakay that arrowed into the top corner.
Sundowns continued their dominance at the start of the second half, as Shalulile doubled the lead eight minutes after pouncing on a defensive error to fire home.
The Brazilians managed to keep a cleansheet, as they booked their spot in the group stages while Maniema will have a second chance in the CAF Confederation Cup play-off round.
Meanwhile holders Al Ahly qualified to the 2021-22 CAF Champions League group stage in style, after defeating visitors Gendarmerie Nationale 6-1 in Cairo on Saturday evening.
Etoile du Sahel, Raja, Petro du Luanda, Al Merrikh and Sagrada Esperanca also guaranteed their places in the mini-league stage of the premier continental club competition.
The shock of the day came from debutants AmaZulu who stunned five time champions TP Mazmembe to reach the group stage in their first ever CAF appearance.
Mazembe, APR, Zanaco, Gendarmerie Nationale, LPRC Oilers, Royal Leopards and AS Otoho will now move to the Additional Second Preliminary Round of the CAF Confederation Cup.