Sundowns beat Nouadhibou to secure CAF Champions League knockout spot

Mamelodi Sundowns reached the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League after beating Mauritanian club Nouadhibou 2-0 away from home on Saturday.

The breakthrough came for Sundowns in the 20th minute when Marcelo Allende delivered a pinpoint cross to Grant Kekana, who headed the ball past the opposition goalkeeper, setting the South African side on course for victory.

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Despite some heated moments in the match, including a potentially dangerous challenge by the Mauritanian champions' captain Moulaye Khalil, which earned him only a yellow card, Sundowns maintained their composure.

Teboho Mokoena had a golden opportunity to double Sundowns' lead in the 33rd minute but failed to convert, while moments later, goalkeeper Mamoudou M'Bodj thwarted another scoring attempt.

Although Sundowns continued to dominate proceedings, with Allende coming close to adding a second goal early in the second half, it was Thembinkosi Lorch who eventually sealed the victory. 

Lorch, making his mark with his debut goal for Masandawana, skilfully rounded the goalkeeper in the dying minutes to secure the crucial win.

Despite some contentious decisions, including a disallowed goal for Sundowns, the team managed to hold on to their lead and secure passage to the next round of the competition.

Full-time in Mauritania and Masandawana walk away with a massive 3?? points! ??

FC Nouadhibou 0???2?? Mamelodi Sundowns (21' Kekana, 91' Lorch)#Sundowns #DownsLive #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/VKlF4Vb1mN