A brace from Themba Zwane inspired Mamelodi Sundowns to a 5-1 win over CR Belouizdad in an African Champions League, Group B clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Sundowns took the lead in the second minute after Chouaib Keddad blocked Zwane’s shot on the line with his hand for a straight penalty.
The former Mpalamanga Black Aces attacking midfielder stood up to take the spot-kick himself and dispatched a low strike for the opener.
Peter Shalulile came close to doubling the lead minutes later, the forward latched onto a pass from Lebohang Maboe, before seeing his effort blocked by the on-rushing Gaya Merbah.
As the half progressed Sundowns looked comfortable, but they were let down by their final ball as the conditions began to take its toll on the home side.
The laxity allowed Belouizdad to capitalize on a lapse of concentration, allowing Yaucef Bechou who was arguably Celtic’s most dangerous player in the first half left with only the keeper to beat
Belouizdad managed to bring themselves level in the 44th minute when Amir Sayoud made the most of a good supply to find the back of the net.
The resumption of the second half, saw Sundowns with a point to prove, and whatever their coaches told their troops during the break clearly worked as they took the lead in the 48th minute. Shalulile exquisitely executed a diving header from a corner, leaving Merbah rooted to the spot.
The goal gave Sundowns a real confidence boost, and in the 55th minute Zwane extended their lead after he met a ball from Gaston Sirino to apply a delicate dink past their opposite number.
Bilal Tarikat almost netted the second for the Algerians on the hour mark but the defender steered his header just wide of the upright.
Sundowns added their fourth on the 75th minute finishing off a good team move after a threaded pass by second-half substitute Kermit Erasmus.
With only minutes remaining, Erasmus would turn from goal provider to goal scorer as he wrapped up the three points for Sundowns, finishing with aplomb from close range giving Sundowns their second group win.
