CAF Champions League: 10-man Mamelodi Sundowns beaten in Mali but sneak into semis

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CAF Champions League: 10-man Mamelodi Sundowns beaten in Mali but sneak into semis
Mamelodi Sundowns players Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba celebrate a goal. Photo - Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns survived a major scare to seal a CAF Champions League semi-final place despite losing their quarter-final second leg 2-0 away to Stade Malien of Mali in Bamako on Sunday.

Sundowns had a tough day at the March 22 Stadium when they were two goals down inside 40 minutes with Malien threatening to spoil their party.

It would get from bad to worse for Miguel Cardoso’s men when they were reduced to 10 men with 13 minutes to go.

Malien had a dream start when Taddeus Nkeng headed home in the first minute. The striker positioned himself well at the back post and headed home a great cross from Mamadou Traore.

Nightmare first half for Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams in action against Stade Malien in the CAF Champions League.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams in action against Stade Malien. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

Sundowns came close to leveling matters when Nunos Santos volleyed in beautifully but his effort hit a defender after seven minutes.

In the 16th minute, there was a moment of controversy when Malien added the second after Nkeng, in a clear offside position, scored. The striker’s goal was given by the referee before a brief stop saw the goal ruled out as Sundowns breathed a sigh of relief.

It would get worse for the Brazilians when Malien netted the second goal after 40 minutes. Against the run of play, the Malian side extended their lead when Haman Mandjan slotted past Ronwen Williams after the initial shot had hit the crossbar.

Modiba red card adds to Brazilians’ woes

Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stade Malien in the CAF Champions League.
Aubrey Modiba. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

That saw them take a 2-0 lead at the break and upon resumption, Sundowns increased the tempo. The PSL champions came close to reducing the arrears when Iqraam Rayners scored in the 54th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside.

However, as Sundowns were looking for the most important away goal, they suffered a massive setback. Aubrey Modiba was shown a straight card after a nasty lunge into Moussa Diallo, forcing the referee’s hand.

That saw Cardoso bring on Divine Lunga for Santos in a bid to see out the game and it is what happened as they stayed resolute at the back to sail through 3-2 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 2-0.

Sundowns had won the first leg 3-0 in Pretoria last week and will now take on four-time winners Esperance in the semi-final. 

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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