Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, who set a record by defeating Al Ahly 5-2 on Saturday in Pretoria, were in outstanding form as they became the second team to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns, who were playing at home, were in commanding form and completely dominated the Egyptians to take first place in Group B with 10 points, six more than Ahly, who is still in third place.
The South African club team has confirmed their spot in the final eight and realized an unstoppable lead.
Sundowns won easily because to goals from Marcelo Allende, Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, and two goals from Peter Shalulile in the second half. Sherif Mohamed and Percy Tau scored for Ahly in the consolation match.Three minutes into the game, the South African team had already taken the lead when Allende netted a spectacular low shot from a distance.
Sherif leveled the score for Ahly in the 13th minute after they had clawed their way back into the match.
Zwane's goal gave Sundowns the lead once more (2-1) in the 24th minute.
The South African side retained their dominance and gained a 3-1 lead at the break when Mokoena struck from a distance, five minutes to halfway.
Magdy Afsha and Ahmed Abdelkader replaced Kendouci and Mohamed Taher at the beginning of the second half for Ahly.
The adjustments had an effect because Ahly's offense was more successful and they managed to score one goal back.on the hour mark, Tau scored after Ali Maaloul assisted.Ahly's dreams of a comeback were, however, destroyed when Shalulile scored the first of his two goals in the 71st minute, and he added his second and third goals in the 88th minute with a shot on the spin inside the box.
With two sets of games remaining and Ahly five points behind Sudan's Al Hilal in second place, Ahly's chances of qualifying are now in jeopardy.
Wydad Athletic Club, the defending champions, advanced to the quarterfinals in another match by defeating Petro de Luanda 2-0.
Arsene Zola and Bouly Junior Sambou's goals in the second half earned Wydad the victory, giving returning coach Juan Carlos Garrido his second straight triumph.
After the victory, Wydad Athletic will top Group A with nine points, five points more than third-place Petro.In order for Petro to have any realistic prospects of qualifying, the team will need to defeat second-placed JS Kabylie on the road the following weekend. (NAN)
