Remo Stars, reigning champions of the NPFL, suffered a significant setback in their quest for a coveted CAF Champions League berth after enduring a crushing 5-1 defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
In what marked arguably the most pivotal fixture in their club’s history, the Sky Blue Stars faltered on home turf at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, unable to withstand the pressure from the seasoned South African champions.
Despite Mamelodi Sundowns’ head coach, Miguel Casado, voicing doubts about his team’s readiness for the away challenge, the visitors quickly asserted dominance. Within the opening twelve minutes, Tashreeq Matthews unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike that found the bottom corner, setting the tone for the match.
As the first half neared its conclusion, striker Peter Shalulile capitalized on a defensive error between the Remo Stars goalkeeper and a defender, calmly slotting home to double the Sundowns’ lead.
After the interval, Remo Stars attempted to mount a response, but their efforts were thwarted when Miguel Reisinho exploited a lapse in concentration to extend the visitors’ advantage just past the 60-minute mark with a composed finish.
Brazilian winger Arthur Sales then showcased his skill by curling a precise shot into the top corner, despite the goalkeeper’s valiant attempt to keep the ball out, making it 4-0.
Remo Stars found a moment of respite when substitute Samson Olasupo skillfully cut inside and fired a shot past Ronwen Hayden Williams at the near post, pulling a goal back and briefly reigniting hope.
However, any momentum was swiftly extinguished as Tsiki Ntsabeleng sealed the emphatic victory for Sundowns with a fifth goal in the closing minutes.
The return leg is set for October 26 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Given the commanding display by Mamelodi Sundowns in the first encounter, a comeback by Remo Stars seems highly unlikely.