NPFL champions disgrace Nigeria against South African champions

South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a footballing masterclass in Abeokuta on Sunday, dismantling Nigerian champions Remo Stars 5-1 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second-round preliminary clash.

Playing at the MKO Abiola Stadium, the visitors, who were finalists in last season's competition, asserted their authority from the opening whistle.

Their dominance was rewarded just 12 minutes in when Matthews capitalised on a defensive error to convert a sharp pass from Themba Zwane, giving Sundowns an early lead.

Remo Stars' goalkeeper, Adebiyi Obassa, kept his team in the contest with a spectacular diving save in the 38th minute to deny a powerful header from a set-piece.

However, the home side struggled to create clear-cut chances, with forward Alex Oyowah failing to punish a rare mistake from Sundowns' keeper Ronwen Williams.

Just before the break, Sundowns doubled their advantage. A long ball from Williams found Peter Shalulile, who outmuscled defender Anthony Ebuka before calmly finishing past the exposed Obassa to make it 2-0.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Sundowns extending their lead in the 61st minute through a clinical counter-attack finished by Reisinho. The rout continued when Arthur Sales added a fourth goal in the 74th minute, capping off a superb team play initiated by Nuno.

Remo Stars managed a brief moment of celebration two minutes later. Samson Olasupo found the net with a powerful low strike from the edge of the area after being set up by Adama Goita, providing a consolation goal for the home crowd.

However, any hope of a late comeback was extinguished in the 84th minute. Teboho Ntsabeleng pounced on a midfield turnover and coolly slotted home, restoring Sundowns' four-goal lead and sealing a comprehensive 5-1 victory.

The heavy defeat leaves Remo Stars facing an almost impossible task in the return leg in Pretoria next weekend, needing a monumental effort to overturn the deficit and advance to the group stage.