Mokoena thunderbolt, Shalulile brace as ruthless Sundowns show Al Ahly no mercy

Mamelodi Sundowns took no prisoners in making a massive statement as their quest for winning a treble remains on track after defeating Al Ahly 5-2 on Saturday to edge closer to the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

The victory catapulted the Brazilians to 10 points and back to the summit of Group B ahead of Al Hilal (9 points). By comparison, 13-time Champions League winners Al Ahly (4 points) and Cotton Sport (0 points) remain stagnant in third and fourth place, respectively.

Sundowns are unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions and now only need a point in the remaining two matchdays to advance into the next round.

The Brazilians are also well on their way to being confirmed DStv Premiership champions, as they maintain a healthy 17-point gap over second-placed SuperSport United.

Additionally, Rhulani Mokwena's charges are seeded for Monday's Nedbank Cup quarter-final draw in another sublime campaign for Masandawana.

Under the hot Tshwane sun, where temperatures flared beyond 30 degree Celsius, the Brazilian hierarchy gifted their passionate fanbase with free tickets to the highly anticipated game.

They filled the iconic Loftus Versveld Stadium, donning their famous yellow colours with pride, but some of their fans may have missed the opening goal as it took just four minutes to get the scoreboard ticking.

With their thousands still trickling into the arena, attempting to find their seats, the home side took the lead.

Veteran Themba Zwane, who wore the captain's armband, initiated a defensive press and dispossessed Al Ahly defenders before teeing up Marcelo Allende. The Uruguayan sent the home crowd into a frenzy as he fizzed in a low strike into the bottom left-hand corner.

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