Sundowns off to a good start

Mamelodi Sundowns got their 2016 Caf Champions League group stage campaign to a winning start when they beat ES Setif 2-0 at the Stade 8 Mai 1945 in on Saturday night.

The Brazilians stunned the Algerian giants in the opening Group B game in the city of Setif.

The home side had an early chance as they attacked down the left channel, but Ismail Saadi’s shot went wide of the near post four minutes into the game.

Sundowns goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands was the busier of the two shot-stoppers dealing well with Setif’s crosses into the box.

In the 33rd minute, the Brazilians, who were relying on counter-attacks, took a surprise lead when Tiyani Mabunda made room to strike from outside the box and he found the top corner.

The visitors were now confident when going forward and a minute later, Keagan Dolly set-up Khama Billiat whose first-time shot missed the target.

Setif responded by pulling out Zakaria Haddouche for Mohamed Islam Bakir five minutes before the half-time break.

Three minutes after the restart, Setif almost levelled matters from a set-piece, but the ball went just wide as the Black Eagles pressed the Brazilians.

The Black Eagles were piling the pressure on the Brazilians and winning set-pieces in dangerous positions.

However, Sundowns doubled their lead against the run of play in the 63rd minute when Billiat dribbled past two defenders before scoring.

Sundowns looked solid at the back forcing Setif to take shots from range and in the 78th minute, goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands collected a deflected shot with ease.

Setif launched late attacks in search of goals, but Sundowns stood firm at the back and ultimately, the Brazilians secured a 2-0 win on the night.

Setif (0) 0
Sundowns (1) 2 (Mabunda 33’, Billiat 63’)

Setif XI: Khedairia, Ziti, Delhoum, Arroussi, Hachi, Djabou, Ouamar, Amada (Lamri 46’), Haddouche (Bakir 40’), Djahnit, Saadi (Amokrane 66’).

Sundowns XI: Sandilands, Mbekile, Nthethe, Arendse, S. Zwane, Mabunda (Modise 84’), Kekana, T. Zwane, Dolly, Billiat, Castro (Ngele 71’)

CREDIT TO:http://www.supersport.com/football/caf-champions-league/news/160619/Sundowns_off_to_a_good_start