The dream continues for Masandawana, while the Nigerians return to the drawing board and look to the future.
Goals by Thapelo Morena Themba Zwane and Lebohang Maboe not only saw Mamelodi Sundowns exact revenge on Lobi Stars courtesy of a 3-0 win, but also confirmed their place in the Caf Champions League quarterfinals.
Sundowns headed into the game level on points with Wydad Casablanca and Asec Mimosas on seven, but a win was enough to book their passage into the knockout round.
On the other hand, Lobi Stars were fighting for their lives in the competition and were looking to do something they have not done so far in this season’s Champions League – win a game away from home.
Having netted 23.5% of their goals within the first 15 minutes, Sundowns added to that statistic as Morena, who was another one of the Tshwane giant’s returnees, broke the deadlock with two minutes played.
Anthony Laffor forced Stars keeper Olufemi Kayode into one of many saves on the night, this time courtesy of the Liberian’s rasping effort from range.
With Sundowns looking to hurt Lobi Stars further, they threw men forward and were almost caught out themselves with 10 minutes to go in the half, but Onyango was again a thorn as he produced a fantastic save to deny an opposition attacker from range.
With Sundowns three goals to the good, Mosimane’s men seemed to take their foot off the accelerator in the second half especially as Rivaldo Coetzee was brought on for Tiyani Mabunda.
This proved enough to book Sundowns a place in the knockout stages, while Lobi Stars bowed out of the competition with a game to spare.
