Sundowns ensured that their quest for winning a treble remains on track after defeating Al Ahly 5-2 on Saturday to edge closer to the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.
Mamelodi Sundowns is making it a habit to demolish African Club of the century in the continental showpiece as the two sides were drawn together in Group B.
Marcelo Allende put Sundowns ahead in the first five minutes into the match from long range, leaving Mohammed El Shannawy no chance to make it 1-0. The lead was short-lived as Mohammed Sherif made it 1-1 in the 13th minute from an Aubrey Modiba error at the back.
Sundowns were not done yet. Ahly failed to deal with a Modiba corner and Themba Zwane made no mistake by not punishing the Egyptians to make it 2-1. Zwane, who also on the score sheet when Sundowns defeated Ahly 5-0 in 2019 scored a similar goal he scored in 2019.
The confidence was high in the Brazilians camp, thanks to their 12th man on the stands, who sang their lungs out throughout the match. The sea of yellow Nation erupted when Teboho Mokoena netted the 3rd one from 30 yards out leaving El Shannawy marvelling at the strike to Sundowns’ joy.
الأهلي #صن_داونز_الأهلى#الأهلي #صن_داونز
— Askr.Mesh.Fe.Almoskr (@tongue777) March 11, 2023
| Mamelodi #Sundowns :vs: Al Ahly SC #Alahlytv| @AlAhlyTV Today
5 - 2 ! pic.twitter.com/wYmWpNra9W
In the second half, Ahly wanted to show why they’re the most respected club in Africa. Percy Tau took matters into his own hands as he tormented Sundowns defense until he was duly rewarded when he made 3-2.
The game became increasingly open, but the Brazilians made sure they secured it early when Peter Shalulile netted his brace to make it 4-2 & later 5-2.
The win meant Sundowns qualify for the quarter final of the Champions league yet again,for the 5th time in a row. They also became the first side to beat Al Ahly by 5 goals twice, in the champions league.
Sundowns’ next opponent will be AL Hilal in Sudan before closing off group stages with CotonSport of Cameroon.
