Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa handed Nigerian champions Remo Stars a heavy 5–1 defeat in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Remo Stars came into the match desperate for a positive result after losing to Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League — their third defeat in four games. But it was the visitors, last season’s runners-up in Africa’s top club competition, who showed their class early on.
Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box. Just before half-time, Namibian forward Peter Shalulile doubled Sundowns’ lead with a calm finish past goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi.
The South Africans continued their dominance after the break, and in the 61st minute, Khuliso Mudau’s fine run down the flank set up Miguel Reisinho, who tapped in for Sundowns’ third goal.
Remo Stars tried to fight back, with Samson Olasupo hitting the crossbar in the 72nd minute. But Arthur Sales soon made it 4–0 with a stunning finish to extend the visitors’ advantage.
Olasupo later pulled one back for Daniel Ogunmodede’s men, but Tsiki Nsabeleng — scoring his first goal for the club — restored Sundowns’ four-goal cushion in the 85th minute to complete the rout.
The return leg will take place on 26 October at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Remo Stars are still chasing their first-ever appearance in the group stage of the CAF Champions League, now facing an uphill task after the heavy home loss.