Mamelodi Sundowns emerged winners in a crucial encounter against Jwaneng Galaxy with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Lobatse Stadium in Botswana on Tuesday.
The Brazilians had the first big chance in the 5th minute after Maboe delivered an inviting cross to the far post but Shalulile’s close range strike was saved on the line by Jwaneng goalkeeper Katlengo Mbise.
Steve Khompela’s charges gained momentum after that and they took the lead in the 10th minute when Mothobi Mvala placed his right-footed effort into the back of the net from Lyle Lakay pass.
After that Sundowns had the majority of the possession and controlled the midfield battle with their five midfield players spread across the park.
Jwaneng had a chance to net an equalizer with seven minutes remaining in the first stanza after Junior Dion went clear on goal, but his attempted lob sailed over the crossbar with only Dennis Onyango to beat.
Sundowns started the second half quickly and extended their lead two minutes after the restart when Peter Shalulile pounced on a loose ball after a mistake from the Galaxy defence.
Jwaneng almost found the back of the net hour-mark from a quick counter-attack after Isaac Paeye found himself with space in the box but his goal-bound shot was brilliantly saved by Onyango with his right leg.
Galaxy dominated possession after that, but they struggled to break down a resilient Sundowns defence.
Jwaneng next decent scoring chance came in the 75th minute following a goalmouth scramble at a corner-kick, but Ricardo Lourenco was denied from only a couple of yards out by a brilliant save from the keeper.
Sundowns number one proved to be the busier of the two goalkeepers, and he was called upon in the 83th minute to brilliantly deny Sechele from distance.
The Tshwane giants were vulnerable to counter-attacks in the closing minutes, as Jwaneng were absorbing the pressure and racing forward on the break but Khompela’s troops did enough claim the vital win.
Sundowns will host the return leg in the New Year where a draw or a win of any kid will guarantee them a place in the African Champions League group stages.
How they line-up
Galaxy: Mbise, Leinannyane, Sechele, Paeye, Thulare, Mohutsiwa, Thatanyane, Ditsele, Dion, Lourenco, Setsile.
Sundowns: D. Onyango, Soumahoro, Lakay, Nascimento, B. Onyango, Jali, Mvala, Morena, Mudau, Maboe, Shalulile.
