Sundowns annihilate Nigerian Champions Remo Stars 5–1 in Abuja
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a ruthless performance in Abuja on Sunday, dismantling Nigerian champions Remo Stars 5–1 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.
The emphatic win puts Sundowns firmly in control of the tie, with one foot already in the group stage ahead of the return leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium next weekend.
Sundowns wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Tashreeq Matthews opening the scoring in the 12th minute after pouncing on a loose ball and curling a fine finish from the edge of the box. Peter Shalulile doubled the lead just before halftime, calmly slotting home after a well-timed through pass.
Despite losing defender Malibongwe Khoza to injury in the first half, the Brazilians didn’t miss a beat, with Grant Kekana stepping in seamlessly. New Portuguese signing Miguel Reisinho marked his debut with a goal in the 61st minute, heading in Khuliso Mudau’s cross to make it 3–0.
Arthur Sales added a fourth in the 75th minute, before Remo Stars briefly responded through Samson Olasupo’s strike two minutes later. But Sundowns had the final say, with Katlego Ntsabeleng tapping in a fifth from Lebo Mothiba’s delivery in the 85th minute.
Remo Stars struggled to match the visitors’ intensity and quality, rarely troubling goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Their best chance came late in the first half, but Williams was alert to deny a close-range effort.
With this commanding away win, Sundowns are now heavy favourites to progress to the group stage, while Remo Stars face a daunting task in the return leg.
