Mamelodi Sundowns have advanced to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League after securing a 3-2 aggregate victory, despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Stade Malien in the second leg.
Stade Malien got off to a dream start, opening the scoring just one minute into the match through T. Nkeng, who finished from close range after being set up by M. Traore. The hosts maintained early pressure and thought they had doubled their lead soon after, but Nkeng’s second effort was ruled out for offside.
Their persistence paid off in the 40th minute when H. Mandjan found the back of the net, making it 2-0 on the night and putting Sundowns under significant pressure heading into the break.
Sundowns struggled to assert themselves in the first half, collecting a few bookings and failing to create clear-cut chances. They introduced fresh legs in the second half in an effort to regain control, but were unable to break down a well-organised Stade Malien defence.
Despite the loss on the night, Sundowns’ commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg proved decisive, ensuring their progression to the semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate win.
They will now square off against Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the semi-finals, setting up a high-stakes clash against the Tunisian giants.