Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a dominant display, defeating Remo Stars 5–1 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie.
The match took place on October 19, 2025, at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The South African side controlled the game from the start, demonstrating why they are one of the continent’s top teams.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Tashreeq Matthews scored a well-placed finish, setting the tone for Sundowns’ attacking dominance. Peter Shalulile doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute, leaving Remo Stars struggling to contain the visitors before halftime. The Nigerian champions looked determined but were repeatedly beaten by Sundowns’ fluid attacking play.
After the break, Mamelodi Sundowns continued to assert their dominance. Marcelo Reisinho scored in the 61st minute, followed by Arthur Sales in the 75th minute, and Tsiki Ntsabeleng in the 85th minute. Remo Stars managed a late consolation goal in the 76th minute, but it did little to change the outcome, as Sundowns’ superior quality was evident throughout the match.
The victory puts Mamelodi Sundowns in a commanding position heading into the second leg. Their convincing performance means they only need to manage the return fixture carefully, while Remo Stars will have a tough challenge to overturn the deficit in South Africa. The first leg highlighted the importance of clinical finishing and tactical discipline at this level of African club football.
Fans and analysts praised Sundowns’ attacking display and defensive organization. The match underscored the growing competitiveness of the CAF Champions League and the high standards required for Nigerian teams to compete effectively against seasoned South African clubs. Sundowns’ players, particularly Matthews and Shalulile, received special mention for their influence in the game.
The CAF Champions League preliminary round continues to be full of excitement, with teams like Sundowns setting the pace for the group stages. Remo Stars will now regroup and focus on preparation for the second leg, hoping to mount a memorable comeback. This match also serves as a reminder of the increasing quality and intensity of club football across Africa.
