In a thrilling display of prowess, Mamelodi Sundowns and TP Mazembe secured their places in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with impressive victories in Group A on Saturday.
South African giants Sundowns clinched their spot in the knockout stages with a commanding 2-0 win over Mauritanian outfit Nouadhibou. The Pretoria-based club dominated the proceedings, with goals from Grant Kekana and Themba Zwane sealing the crucial victory.
Kekana’s header from a Marcelo Allende free-kick gave Sundowns the lead midway through the first half, followed by Zwane’s clinical finish in the 70th minute, courtesy of a fine assist from substitute Lebohang Mokoena.
Sundowns’ relentless attack kept Nouadhibou’s goalkeeper, Babacar Diop, busy throughout the match, ensuring their fourth win in five games and securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, TP Mazembe, former champions of the competition, showcased their superiority with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Pyramids of Egypt. The match held in Lubumbashi witnessed goals from Joel Beya, Glody Likonza, and Patient Mwamba, securing Mazembe’s berth in the last eight.
Despite Pyramids’ early promise, Mazembe capitalized on their chances, with Beya and Likonza finding the net in the first half. Despite a disallowed goal in the second half, Mazembe’s defense remained resolute, denying Pyramids any chance of a comeback. Substitute Mwamba sealed the victory for Mazembe with a composed finish in the dying moments of the match, ensuring their progression to the next round.
With their quarter-final berths secured, both Mamelodi Sundowns and TP Mazembe continue their quest for continental glory in the prestigious CAF Champions League.
