South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns were too much for Nigerian Champions Remo Stars, as they strolled to a 5-1 win in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
It was always going to be difficult for the Sky Blue Stars, and when the visitors raced to a 2-0 lead through goals from Tashreeq Mathews and striker Peter Shalulile made it more insurmountable. After the break, Miguel Silva and Arthur Sales added to the tally before substitute Samson Olasupo grabbed a consolation for the home side. However, Katlego Ntsabeleng added a fifth late on to end the game.
Remo Stars welcomed Victor Mbaoma and Ahmed Akinyele back into the starting line-up after injury and national team assignment, respectively. Meanwhile, Adama Goita started in attack with Alex Oyowah and Adams Olamilekan keeping their places in midfield.
The NPFL champions started the game with a bit of fight, but they lacked the composure to test the Sundowns’ backline. In the 12th minute, Sundowns grabbed the game’s opening goal. Tashreeq Mathews received a pass in front of the box before firing into Obassa Adeniyi’s left to silence the home crowd at the MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Sundowns switched things up and continued to dominate possession. Remo goalie Obassa Adeniyi then made a couple of good stops to keep the game at 1-0. With a few minutes left before the break, Remo Stars conceded a second after goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ goalkick was expertly finished by Peter Shalulile.
After the interval, Sundowns added more goals through Miguel Silva and Arthur Sales in the 61st and 75th minutes to increase their tally. After a couple of decent saves from Williams, Remo Stars eventually got one back through Samson Olasupo’s fine finish. However, Katlego Ntsabeleng scored a fifth in the 85th minute for an icing on the cake.
Sundowns, who are all but certain to progress to the group stages of the CAF Champions League, take a commanding lead into next weekend’s second leg in South Africa.
