Mamelodi Sundowns took control of their CAF Champions League quarter final after a 3-0 first leg win over Stade Malien at Loftus Versfeld on Friday evening.
In a rare Friday 20:00 kickoff under the lights for Sundowns in the Champions League, the Yellow Nation tuned out in their droves to rally behind Miguel Cardoso’s troops in the nation’s capital.
It was a dominant first half befitting of the support, as Sundowns had over 70% possession and created the bulk of the chances, but it was Khuliso Mudau’s effort that separated the two sides at the break.
After initially being ruled out for off-side, an intervention from Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) – which is only in use in the knockout stages came to the fore to rule it as a legitimate goal.
Just before the hour mark Brayan León who had not scored for the last five games got back on to the scoresheet with his sixth goal since joining the club in January.
It put the Masandawana faithful into overdrive in a party-like atmosphere that clearly drove the players on where the traditional shoe-shine and piano came to the fore for the remainder of the half as they controlled the game, tempo with aplomb, leaving the visitors chasing shadows and viability demoralised.
Iqraam Rayners then added the third, which again, saw VAR in action and put Sundowns one foot into the semi-finals.
They now face an uphill task in the second leg next week in Mali in an attempt to overturn the scoreline.
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