Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the semi-finals of the African Football League after defeating Petro de Luanda 2-0 on aggregate, and will now face Al Ahly SC in the next round.
Sundowns started the game on the back foot after Mothobi Mvala took one for the team by fouling Petro de Luanda talisman Tiago Azulão, who was through on goal. Mvala was sent packing just two minutes the game started.
Sundowns cooled things down as they were looking to settle into the game, and after 12 minutes Gaston Sirino’s shot forced Hugo Marques into a stunning save.
Despite being one man down, Downs dictated the tempo of the game, building from the back and putting some good passes in the middle.
After 34 minutes Khuliso Mudau took a shot, but it went wide. Petro had a glorious chance in the 44th minute though Azulão with a great header after a lovely cross from Santos but it went just over the crossbar.
There were some heated moments right at the end of the first half with Sirino fouling Santos and getting a yellow card following the subsequent scuffle, while the Petro play somehow escaped a booking.
The second half kicked off with Petro trying to find the opening goal but Downs defended deep and prevented the Angolan side from causing any threats.
The first goal attempt in second half came from Themba Zwane who was played through on goal but he Marques stopped him in the one-on-one.
After 70 minutes Gilberto headed the ball straight to Ronwen Williams, who made a comfortable save.
Downs looked more in control in the second half as Petro couldn’t trouble them, and the home side advanced 2-0 on aggregate to set up a semi-final with Al Ahly, who had progressed on the away goal against Simba earlier in the day.
