Mamelodi Sundowns have reaffirmed their dominance in African club football after easing past Remo Stars with a 7–1 aggregate victory to reach the CAF Champions League group stage for the 11th consecutive season. The South African champions finished the job at Loftus Versfeld Stadium with a 2–0 win in the second leg, following their emphatic 5–1 triumph in Nigeria last week.
Mamelodi Sundowns Take Early Control
The Brazilians were in control from the opening whistle. Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos gave the hosts the lead in the 20th minute with a precise low finish after a flowing attacking move. Just before halftime, Peter Shalulile doubled the advantage, heading home an Aubrey Modiba set piece to seal the tie before the break. The two goals left Remo Stars chasing shadows as Sundowns dictated the rhythm and tempo of the match.
Goalkeeper Denis Onyango had little to do, as the Nigerian side managed only one shot on target throughout the evening.
Game Management and Tactical Discipline
In the second half, coach Miguel Cardoso’s men focused on maintaining control rather than chasing more goals. With the tie effectively settled, Sundowns moved the ball confidently and restricted their opponents to sporadic counter-attacks.
Tashreeq Matthews and Arthur Sales continued to stretch the defence, while late substitutions from Lebogang Mothiba and Bathusi Aubaas ensured composure in the closing stages. The win extended Sundowns’ unbeaten streak to six matches across all competitions, underlining their consistency under Cardoso.
Continental Ambitions Renewed
This qualification marks Mamelodi Sundowns’ 11th consecutive appearance in the CAF Champions League group stage, a record unmatched by any South African club. The 2016 Champions League winners are determined to reclaim Africa’s top club honour. Speaking after the match, Cardoso commended his players’ professionalism and hunger for success.
With the group stage draw set for 3 November 2025, the Brazilians will be keen to continue their quest for a second continental crown.
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Sundowns will turn their focus back to domestic duties, with their Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United still to be rescheduled. Their squad depth, attacking options, and continental experience make them one of the clear favourites to advance deep into this year’s Champions League.
