South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed Nigerian champions Remo Stars 5–1 in their CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday.
Remo Stars came into the match desperate for a positive result after losing three of their last four games, including a recent defeat to Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
However, it was the visitors — last season’s Champions League runners-up — who took control early. Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a fine strike from the edge of the box.
Just when it seemed both teams would head into the break with a one-goal difference, Namibian striker Peter Shalulile doubled Sundowns’ lead three minutes before half-time, slotting past goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi.
Sundowns continued their dominance after the restart and extended their lead in the 61st minute when Khuliso Mudau’s low cross found Portuguese midfielder Miguel Reisinho, who tapped in from close range.
Remo Stars tried to fight back, with Samson Olasupo’s powerful effort rattling the crossbar in the 72nd minute. But minutes later, Arthur Sales added a fourth for the visitors with a composed finish.
Olasupo later pulled one back for the hosts to make it 1–4, giving the home fans something to cheer about. However, the Pretoria-based side sealed a comprehensive victory in the 85th minute when Tsiki Nsabeleng scored his first goal for the club.
The return leg is scheduled for 26 October at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, where Remo Stars will need a miracle to overturn the heavy deficit.
Remo Stars are still chasing their first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League group stage, in what is their fourth continental campaign.
