Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates were both victorious in continental action as the Brazilians booked their spot in the group stages of the Caf Champions League while Pirates moved on to the second play-off round of the Caf Confederation Cup as they look reach the group stages once again.
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Maniema Union (4-2 aggregate)
Mamelodi Sundowns joined AmaZulu in the CAF Champions League group stages after a 2-0 win over Maniema Union in the second leg of their second preliminary round tie to advance 4-2 on aggregate.
Downs almost got off to the perfect start but Peter Shalulile’s goal bound header was cleared off the line with just seven minutes on the clock.
The South African side, however, did manage to find the opener with 22 minutes gone as Lyle Lakay fired in a magnificent free-kick.
It was almost 2-0 10 minutes before the break but Sibusiso Vilakazi failed to beat the keeper after being sent clean through on goal by Thabiso Kutumela.
The Brazilians eventually got their second though as Shalulile pounced on a defensive mistake to fire home at the start of the second half.
It was smooth sailing for Downs from then on and although they threatened to score a third, they had to settle for the 2-0 win which sees them advance to the group stages via a 4-2 aggregate win.
⏫ @Masandawana ⏫
🇿🇦 For the 7th consecutive season, South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns reach the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL group stages! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/St3nBuFs74
— TotalEnergies CAFCL – TotalEnergies CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) October 24, 2021
Orlando Pirates 1-0 CSMD Diables Noirs
Orlando Pirates edged Diables Noirs 1-0 in the second leg of their Caf Confederation Cup qualifier to advance to the group stages of the competition.
The Sea Robbers thought they got off to the ideal start when Terrance Dvzukamanja headed home with just seven minutes on the clock but the linesman had his flag up and the goal was ruled out for offsides.
The opener did, however, come 10 minutes later as Happy Jele rose highest from a set play to head home and put his side 1-0 up.
Diables Noirs grew into the game as the half went on but they were unable to find a way past Siyabonga Mpontshane who barely had a save to make in the first half.
The Buccaneers knew what their task was in the second stanza and were doing well to keep Diables at bay.
The home side eventually began to ring the changes to freshen up in the second half and while Diables did manage to enjoy a good amount of possession again in the second half, they still could not pose a threat to Mpontshane’s goal.
Pirates now join Marumo Gallants in the play-off round as they look reach the group stages once again.
