By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns held on to top spot in Group A of the CAF Champions League after a 2-0 victory over Nouadhibou at the Stade Cheikha Ould Boidiya on Saturday.
Grant Kekana’s 21st minute strike and Thembinkosi Lorch’s goal in stoppage time sent the Brazilians to the quarter-finals with a game to spare.
Group A is now concluded after TP Mazembe also booked a place in the Last-eight by beating Pyramids 3-0.
That means the Brazilians’ hosting of the Congolese giants next weekend is a dead rubber.
On Saturday, Masandawana turned on the style on the artificial turf of Stade Cheikha Ould Boidiya.
Sundowns welcomed back captain Themba Zwane, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Kekana, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba while Bongani Zungu was also handed a rare start.
Masandawana dominated play from the start and almost went ahead just after seven minutes. However Aubrey Modiba was inches late to meet a Gaston Sirino feed.
Kekana then announced his return by turning in a free kick from Marcelo Allende.
Some mistiming by Nouadhibou goalkeeper Mamoudou M’bodj in coming out of his goal almost gifted Sundowns another goal. Defender Nouh El Abd covered up for the custodian, though, as he headed to safety a Mokoena shot.
The home side’s first attempt at goal only came a minute into the second half when Moulaye Al Khalil’s shot was desperately blocked by Mosa Lebusa.
With 10 minutes to go, Masandawana thought they had doubled their advantage but Lucas Ribeiro Costa was adjudged to have scored from an offside position.
Shortly after, Ribeiro forced a save from M’bodj.
Lorch gave the Brazilians some comfort just before the full-time whistle when he got to the end of a Mokoena through ball, though. He rounded M’bodj before slotting the ball into an empty net.
It was new signing Lorch’s first goal in Masandawana colours.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrating
Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns
