Sundowns crush CR Belouizdad to have one foot in CAF Champs League semis

Mamelodi Sundowns took a massive step towards a first CAF Champions League semi-final since the 2018/19 season when they cruised past Algeria's CR Belouizdad 4-1 in the first leg of their quarterfinal at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Saturday.

Cruised is an operative term because Sundowns were slightly behind from a ball possession and territory perspective, but looked like having a goal in them every time they attacked.

They had 15 shots, six of which were on target and four in the net in what was a dismissive and commanding showing.

That they scored four goals, despite the concession of a goal before half-time, spoke volumes of the need to seal a tie away from home.

They were reliant on a brace from Peter Shalulile, Neo Maema, and a late goal from Cassius Mailula to complete a superb win.

Sundowns' last three exits, all at quarterfinal stages, were based on an inability to score away from home.

In scoring four goals, it was like they were scoring for the times they had early exits, and with the return leg at their Loftus Versfeld haunt, they should be able to deliver on their semi-final mandate.

The win was also crucial for it was Sundowns to win as it was their first victory in four games across all competitions.

Since they were crowned league champions on 1 April when SuperSport United failed to beat Chippa United while Sundowns beat Coton Sport 2-1 in their final group game, Sundowns drew three league games and lost 2-1 to Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals.

If it was a case of playing within themselves and conserving their intensity for this game, that methodical madness paid off.

Sundowns opened their account in the sixth minute when Shalulile nodded in Aubrey Modiba's cross after the hosts failed