By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns returned to haunt Al Ahly as they reclaimed top spot in the Caf Champions League following a 5-2 victory at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Marcelo Allende opened the floodgates four minutes into the contest with his first-ever Champions League goal before Al Ahly struck back via Mohamed Sherif nine minutes later.
Themba Zwane then restored Sundowns’ lead in the 24th minute and Teboho Mokoena’s ferocious shot five minutes before the break increased the hosts’ lead.
Percy Tau was to punish his former employers by reducing arrears for the North Africans just after the hour mark before Peter Shalulile’s brace sealed business for the Brazilians.
It was a crazy afternoon which might have reminded many of 6 April 2019 when Sundowns annihilated Al Ahly 5-0 in the first leg of the quarter-finals at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
But this time around, the 10-time African champions managed to pull two goals back but they were not enough as Masandawana went a point clear at the top of Group B.
Al Ahly remain third on the standings while Masandawana qualified for the quarter-finals.
It was yet another difficult outing for the Cairo giants who are winless in 14 outings in South Africa since 2001.
Allende opening the afternoon with a well-struck shot from outside the box that was too powerful for Mohamed El Shenawy in goals for Al Ahly.
While Masandawana were in the middle of enjoying the early exchanges, they were then stunned by the visitors.
Tau dispossessed Aubrey Modiba to set up an unmarked Sherif who profited from some poor defending and fired past Ronwen Williams.
It was a dramatic encounter as Sundowns did not take long to hit back when Zwane beat an Al Ahly offside trap to beat Egypt goalkeeper El Shenawy at close range.
With three goals witnessed in the opening 24 minutes, the afternoon promised to be a goal fest.
Mokoena added some flavour to this first half with a trademark thunderbolt past a frozen El Shenawy before Tau sensationally eliminated Modiba and beat Williams from an acute angle.
Shalulile was to open his account by finishing a Neo Maema feed before completing his double 10 minutes later after being fed by Allende.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate Marcelo Allende’s goal
Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns
