Mamelodi Sundowns Put One Leg in CAF Champions League Semis As They Defeat Stade Malien
- Mamelodi Sundowns make a strong start in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals as they defeat Stade Malien in the first leg
- The Premier Soccer League giants hold a strong advantage in the first leg of the tie after hosting the Malian club in South Africa
- The Betway Premiership champions enjoyed the benefits of having the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in this stage of the competition
Mamelodi Sundowns have placed one foot in the CAF Champions League semi-final after defeating Stade Malien in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Source: Getty Images
The Betway Premiership defending champions qualified for the quarter-finals after defeating Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger in their final group game on Saturday, February 14, 2026, despite difficult encounters against Al Hilal and Saint Eloi Lupopo.
The Brazilians are looking forward to making it into the final just like they did last season. They lost to eventual champions, Pyramids FC, in 2025.
Sundowns defeat Stade Malien
Miguel Cardoso decided to keep Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Nuno Santos and Arthur Sales in the starting line-up after they all started in victory over Orbit College in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Meanwhile, Teboho Mokoena, Bryan Leon and Jayden Adams were among those brought back into the lineup.
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Sundowns controlled possession during the opening stages of the match, frequently attempting to find Leon in attacking position as the South American forward caused problems for the Malian defence with his intelligent movement off the ball.
The Brazilians thought they had taken the lead in the 32nd minute when Sales set up Mudau, who timed his run perfectly before calmly slotting the ball into the far corner. Although the goal was initially disallowed for offside, the decision was overturned after a VAR review confirmed the goal.
Despite Williams having little to do in goal, Sundowns nearly extended their lead before halftime. Sales broke into the penalty area following a slick passing move, but the Malian goalkeeper produced an excellent save to ensure the score remained 1-0 at the interval.
Just before the hour mark, Leon ended his five-match scoring drought, finding the net for his sixth goal since joining the Pretoria giants in January.
The strike sent the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters into celebration mode, with the Brazilians deciding to hold on to the ball, leaving the visitors chasing the ball and visibly exhausted while doing so.
Iqraam Rayners then made it three, with VAR once again called into action, a goal that effectively placed Sundowns within touching distance of a semi-final spot.
What's next for Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns' next focus would be in the Betway Premiership were they would face Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Source: Instagram
The match is important to Cardoso and his boys, as they are focusing on winning their ninth consecutive Betway Premiership titles this season, and are still level on points with Orlando Pirates.
The second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-finals against Stade Malien will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Cardoso slams PSL over Sundowns' treatment
Briefly News also reported that Cardoso called out PSL over the unfair treatment of Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their game against Stade Malien.
The Portuguese tactician is not happy with the organisers of the PSL schedule, as they are still the only South African club participating in continental football this season.
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Source: Briefly News
