Mamelodi Sundowns produced a commanding performance at Loftus Versfeld to take a significant step toward the CAF Champions League semi‑finals, brushing aside Stade Malien with an emphatic 3–0 victory in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie.
Khuliso Mudau opened the scoring in the first half before Iqraam Rayners and Brayan Leon netted after the interval to give Masandawana a commanding lead heading to Mali next week.
Read: Stellenbosch Fight Back to Hold TS Galaxy
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso seven changes from the side that beat Orbit College in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.
The South African outfit immediately started the contest on the front foot, asserting their dominance in possession.
Sundowns took the lead just after the half hour mark when Arthur Sales assisted Mudau, who fired his effort into the far-corner.
The strike was initially ruled offside but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) approved the goal after replays confirmed the effort was good.
The home team doubled their advantage just 10 minutes after the halftime interval when Nuno Santos picked out Leon, who finished from close-range.
Sundowns showed no signs letting up and substitute Rayners volleyed home in the 64th minute after another superb cross from Nuno Santos.
Stade Malien had their opportunities but did not test Ronwen Williams enough in the Sundowns goal.
The Malian side will now have a huge task on their hands at home next week of they are to overcome the deficit and stay in the continental tournament.