Mamelodi Sundowns started their CAF Champions League campaign on a good note after beating Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy by two goals to nil at the Lebotse Sports complex on Tuesday.

This was the first leg of the second preliminary round to qualify for the group stages, with the home-sides’ victory in Comoros earning them a place to play Masandawana.

From the squad that played in the DStv Premiership, Bangalay Soumahoro and Khuliso Mudau made their way into the starting eleven.

It took Masandawana ten minutes to find the back of the net after Mothobi Mvala scored a goal after a cross from Lyle Lakay. This was Mvala’s second goal in two games after he made his debut in the last clash. The home side could not test the Brazilians and this was evident as they could not create chances that were dangerous. The pitch at Lebotse Sports complex was bumpy and could not allow for free-flowing football.

Mamelodi Sundowns were dealt with a blow as Lebo Maboe had to be substituted late in the first half with an injury blow and Aubrey Modiba took his place. The first stanza ended with Downs ahead by one.

Bafana Ba Style started the second half on a high note as Peter Shalulile scored his first goal in the Champions League as he capitalised on a mistake made by the Galaxy defence, twenty seconds from the kick-off. Modiba found himself in a great space and took a shot that went wide and did not trouble the keeper. The technical team made a couple of changes so that there can be some firepower upfront and Sibusiso Vilakazi came in for Khuliso Mudau.

Newly promoted midfielder Sphesihle Mkhize made his debut as he came in for Soumahoro and the youngster showed some beautiful touches in the middle of the park.

The game ended with a victory for Masandawana and the return leg will be played at Loftus Versfeld on the fifth of January 2021.

Soka25east.com