CAF champions league: Shalulile back amongst the goals, as Sundowns shuffles off Mazembe to keep top spot in group A

CAF champions league: Sundowns shuffles off Mazembe to keep top spot in group A

Mamelodi Sundowns finished their Caf Champions League group stage campaign on a high note after beating TP Mazembe in the capital city on Saturday.

The Brazilians claimed the top spot of their Caf Champions League group after they edged TP Mazembe 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Peter Shalulile finally rediscovered his scoring touch from the penalty spot when he converted in the 38th minute to make sure that Masandawana got maximum points in this match, finishing the pool phase with 13 points.

Sundowns have qualified for the knockout stages as they continue to seek their second Champions League crown. Downs reached the final of this competition twice, the first in 2001 where they lost to Egyptian rivals Al Ahly before winning it in 2016 against Zamalek.

The Brazilians have been regulars in the knockout stages but have always succumbed in the latter stages, failing to reach another final since 2016. However, Downs coach Rhulani Mokwena is confident that he can guide his side to the holy grail this season.

Sundowns have now gone 32 home games without losing a game across all competitions thanks to Shalulile’s penalty as he scored for the first time in 11 games across all competitions.

Shalulile had a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to forget as he failed to find the back of the net in four games with Namibia.

Word has it that the Democratic Republic of Congo’s embassy bussed in several Mazembe supporters with the hope of outnumbering Sundowns supporters.

However, the host – Masandawana dominated on the stadium, they had the louder voice in the stands as Downs fans roared in song and danced throughout the entire game.

By finishing as the group winners, Sundowns have done themselves a favour as they avoid teams like ASEC Mimosas and Al Ahly, who also finished at the summit of their group.

Meanwhile, Sundowns will shift their focus to the Premier Soccer League where they will take on Chippa United.

Sundowns are gunning for a seventh successive PSL crown, and if they win the league this season, Downs will be presented with a new design trophy as the league’s sponsors are designing a new piece of silverware as the Tshwane giants got to keep last season’ trophy after winning for a third successive time under the new sponsorship.