Caf Champions League 2021: Mamelodi Sundowns claim superiority over Al Hilal in 2-0 victory
Mamelodi Sundowns started their CAF Champions League campaign in Group B with a 2-0 win over Al Hilal Omdurman on Saturday evening.
New signing Rushine De Reuck was named on the substitutes’ bench, as Ricardo Nascimento skippered the side in the absence of Hlompho Kekana with the on-song Peter Shalulile up top.
Sundowns showcased their intentions ten minutes in when Mosa Lebusa found the back of the net with a poweful header that proved too much for their opposite number.
The breakthrough happened before a cross-cum shot near the area from Lebohang Maboe flashed across the face of goal, and Themba Zwane having a crack in an advancing area.
Masandawana had chances to find a second soon after the closing quarter through Sphelele Mkhulise following a reverse pass from Zwane, but he failed to steer home.
Shalulile should’ve handed Sundowns a second goal on the stroke of halftime from a cross by Gaston Sirino, but the former Highlands Park man dragged wide.
Hilal started the second half pretty confident, as a low free-kick from a promising area forced a save off Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango before Maboe went off target at the other end.
Substitutions from the Brazilians midway in the second half saw Kermit Erasmus introduced for Zwane and Mkhulise withdrawn for Lesedi Kapinga.
Masandawana almost doubled their lead through a promising free-kick in an equally promising area by Lyle Lakay, but he couldn’t find the cutting edge.
The second goal eventually came right at the death when Erasmus beat one challenge in the area to apply a smart finish, leading his side to a first win in Group B.
Sundowns: Onyango, Nascimento, Lebusa, Coetzee, Lakay, Mvala, Mkhulise, Maboe, Sirino, Zwane, Shalulile.
Subs: Goss, Modiba, De Reuck, Jali, Morena, Kapinga, Erasmus.
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