Mamelodi Sundowns have firmly established themselves on top of the log of Group B of the CAF Champions League after defeating hosts TP Mzembe 2-1 in Lubumbashi on Saturday.
The result sees the Brazilians top the standings with nine points, while the Ravens remain second with two points.
Sundowns carved out the first real chance of the match as Sphelele Mkhulise’s volley from inside the box was comfortably dealt with by Ibrahim Mounkoro, who was well positioned to catch the goal-bound effort.
TP Mazembe had a great opportunity to open the scoring in the 25th minute from a Joseph Ochaya corner but the ball was cleared from danger before Rainford Kalaba’s follow-up shot was off target.
Sundowns should have went ahead in the 33rd minute, Thapelo Morena picked out Themba Zwane from a set-piece but the midfielder headed over from six-yards out.
That was as good as it got, as far chances were concerned, as Mazembe were quite content to sit back and let Sundowns have the ball for most of the half.
Sundowns came out much stronger in the second half and nearly went ahead in the 56th minute but Gaston Sirino’s effort from distance was kept out by the woodwork.
Dennis Onyango came to the Brazilians rescue on the hour mark as he pulled off a save to keep out an effort from Kabaso Chongo.
The Brazilians broke the deadlock midway in the second half after Peter Shalulile finished off a perfect ball in the area from Themba Zwane.
After a quiet spell in the game Chris Kasangala tried his luck from the edge of the area in the 69th minute, but the attacker fired his effort straight at Onyango.
Mazembe leveled the matters in the 82nd minute when Tresor Mputu took advantage of some rare space in Sundowns’ defence thanks to an assist from Joseph Ochaya.
Lyle Lakay then sealed the win in the 90th minute, as the forward sent a beauty of a strike direct from a free kick making Sundowns walk away with three vital points which takes them a step closer to the quarterfinals.
