Mamelodi Sundowns have qualified for the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League after collecting a 2-0 win Mauritanian champions FC Nouadhibou.
Sundowns opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Marcelo Allende found Grant Kekana with a fine cross before the centre-back headed the ball into the back of the net.
The home side were lucky to remain 11 man on the pitch after captain Moulaye Khalil jumped into Allende with a two-footed tackle but only saw a yellow card.
Teboho Mokoena had a brilliant chance to make it 2-0 for Sundowns after 33 minutes after tied up by Themba Zwane but the midfielder dragged his shot wide.
Just a few minutes later, Sundowns had another great chance for their second goal after goalkeeper Mamoudou M’Bodj was caught out of his goal but Mokoena’s shot from far was saved by Nouadhibou player, before Peter Shalulile struggled to sort out his feet and punish the home side.
After dominating large parts of the first half, Allende could’ve made it 2-0 right after the interval but he was denied by M’Bodj once more.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa had the ball in the back of the net in 79th but the linesman raised his flag for offside – a doubtful call based on tv footage.
M’Boyi denied Sundowns a second goal with another two fine saves but Masandawana eventually doubled their advantage when Thembinkosi Lorch rounded the goalkeeper to score his first goal for the African Football League champions, who brought the three points back home to book their quarter-final ticket.
