CAF Champions League: Sundowns dominate Stade Malien to seize first leg advantage

South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns hold the upper hand in their CAF Champions League quarterfinal clash with Stade Malien following Friday’s 3-0 first leg victory in Pretoria.

🎞️ Match Highlights:
Mamelodi Sundowns stun Stade Malien in Pretoria with 3 goals in the first leg!#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/SqfRiLSVdx

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) March 13, 2026

Khuliso Mudau’s first half finish put the hosts ahead in the 34th minute before Colombian striker Brayan Léon doubled Masandawana’s lead early in the second half. The two teams will meet again in Bamako for the second leg next Sunday.

Sundowns fully in control

The hosts took control early and often while the visitors from Mali were forced to be content with counter-attacks and speculative efforts from long range. While Stade Malien’s defense did well to stay organized in the opening thirty minutes, their offside trap was broken when Arthur Sales’ pass sent right back Mudau in to finish past N’Golo Traoré in goal.

Traoré did well to save from Aubrey Modiba just before halftime but he had little chance on the second goal from Sundowns. Following a turnover high up the pitch, Nuno Santos’ early cross was perfect for big money signing Léon to control and lift past Traoré in the 55th minute.

It could have been a three-goal deficit for Stade Malien around the hour mark when Tashreeq Matthews was brought down in the penalty area but referee Pierre Atcho elected against giving a penalty kick following a VAR review.

However, the third goal did arrive in the 74th minute when Iqraam Rayners, on as a substitute for Léon, timed his run perfectly to get on the end of another Santos cross to finish and leave Sundowns with a three-goal lead to defend in Bamako.

The reigning South African club champions will return to domestic duties on Wednesday with a home Betway Premiership match against Marumo Gallants before next Sunday’s second leg.