Mamelodi Sundowns took a huge step to the CAF Champions League semi -finals, securing a 3-0 win over Stade Malien over the weekend.
Khuliso Mudau side footed his finish in the bottom corner 10 minutes before the break to send the Moripe Stadium into raptures.
Bryan Leon doubled the home sides lead in the 55th minute, bringing the ball down under his control before poking home from close range.
The result was put beyond Stade Malien’s reach in the 74th minute when Iqraam Rayners poked home from close range, sealing the 3-0 win.
The victory puts Sundowns in a commanding position.
The manner of the victory and the Brazilians’ run of form led to suggestions they are now the favourites to win the competition.
The result serves as a major statement of intent for Masandawana, who are looking to go one step further than last season’s heartbreak in the final.
Despite their dominance and brilliance, Miguel Cardoso, who is the coach of Sundowns remains grounded and determined to keep his team focused despite the buoyant display.
“I think we are very far away from discussing winning whatever in this competition. The only thing we can discuss at the moment is how we are going to play Marumo Gallants on Tuesday,” Cardoso told reporters.
With a 3-0 lead ahead of the second leg, Sundowns are well positioned to sail through to the next round of the competition.
The tactician remains cautious of the threat of playing away from home.
“What is important to understand is that 3-0 is just a result. Football history has a lot of comebacks from results like this one. If we don’t go to Mali with a serious approach and a very strong team, with the right mindset, we can have a lot of bad taste in the mouth,” Cardoso warned.
Mamelodi Sundowns are yet to win the Champions League since 2016 but look like the real deal after their resounding performance.
Sundowns struggled in the group stage, but qualified in second place, registering nine points in six games, finishing behind Al Hilal Omdurman.
In the Betway Championship, Sundowns are second with 47 points, having played a game less than league leaders Orlando Pirates.
Cardoso remains focused on winning the second leg to seal a place in the semis.
“We need to focus on the next one and then the next one. From my part, in this house, in my locker room with my players, my thoughts, the thoughts I want them to have is on the next match.”
“After that, we think about the Stade Malien match in Mali, and then we need to go to rest. From there, we think about the rest of the season. If our mindset gets out of the next match, maybe we will fall somewhere,” he explained.
The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday in Mali.
A victory for Sundowns will pit them against record champions Al Ahly or Esperance, who are Cardoso’s former team.
As it stands, Esperance lead Al Ahly from their first encounter.
