Mamelodi Sundowns ended decades of frustration on Nigerian soil with a commanding 5-1 victory over Remo Stars in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round on Sunday.
The South African champions delivered a statement performance at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Ogun State, overcoming a long-standing jinx that had seen them and other South African sides struggle against Nigerian clubs in previous continental campaigns.
For years, the trip to Nigeria was one to dread. Sundowns had been beaten by Lobi Stars and Enyimba in past editions of the competition. But on this occasion, they looked composed, clinical and unshaken.
Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box, before Namibian forward Peter Shalulile doubled the lead just before half-time.
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Remo Stars tried to rally early in the second half, but Sundowns were ruthless on the counter. Miguel Reisinho finished off a fine team move to make it 3-0, before Arthur Sales added a fourth with 15 minutes remaining.
Samson Olasupo pulled one back for the Nigerian champions, but any hopes of a late fightback were snuffed out when substitute Katlego Ntsabeleng completed the rout moments later.
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The 5-1 scoreline marked Sundowns’ first-ever win in Nigeria, signalling their intent to challenge strongly for this season’s Champions League title.
The return leg in Pretoria promises to be a formality for Miguel Cardoso’s men, who now have one foot in the group stages.
