Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 2-1 defeat to Zesco United in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final on Saturday.
The game got off to a good start, with both sides showing their attacking intent in the opening minutes.
The home side was ahead in the opening 10 minutes into the second half, as Jackson Mwanza rose above Wayne Arendse to send a glancing header into the far corner.
Jackson Mwanza’s second goal was enough to give the Zambian champions an edge over the South African soccer club based in Pretoria.
All three goals came in the second half Sundowns midfielder Khama Billiat snatching Sundowns insurance ahead of the return leg decider in Pretoria.
The Zambian side is in pole position towards reaching their debut 2016 CAF Champions League final.
The return leg is slated for September 24, with a final against Egyptian side Zamalek likely on the cards after they demolished Wydad Casablanca 4-0 in the first leg of the other last-four clash.
Friday, 16 September
Zamalek 4 -0 WAC Casablanca
Saturday, 17 September
Zesco United 2 – 1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Second Leg: Saturday, 24 September
Mamelodi Sundowns v ZESCO United
WAC Casablanca v Zamalek
Here’s how they lined up:
Zesco: Silwimba, Banh, Owino Odhiambo, Oluwafemi, Mwelwa, Mtonga, Chaila, Ching’andu, Mwanza, Were.
Sundowns: Onyango, S.Zwane, Arendse, Nthethe, Langerman, Kekana, Mabunda, Tau, T. Zwane, Dolly, Billiat.
@football_sierra