The second preliminary round of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League 2025/26 second preliminary round produced fireworks on Sunday, with several African powerhouses asserting early dominance.
Among the standout results was a ruthless performance by Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, who hammered Remo Stars of Nigeria 5–1 in Abeokuta to all but ensure qualification for the group stage.
It is the first time a club from Nigeria conceded five goals in a home match of a continental competition.
The game, played at the MKO Abiola Stadium, saw the South African champions impose themselves from the kickoff, showing why they remain one of the most formidable teams on the continent.
Tashreeq Matthews scored the opener early in the first half, capitalising on a defensive lapse by the home side.
Remo Stars, making only their second appearance in the competition, struggled to match the pace and precision of their visitors.
Before the break, Peter Shalulile doubled Sundowns’ advantage, converting a direct ball from goal kick to beat the entire field as Remo Stars players probably thought the player was offside.
However, there are exceptions to offside rule as players cannot be offside when they receive the ball directly from throw-in, corner kick or goal kick.
The goal highlighted Mamelodi Sundowns’ superior technical quality and tactical discipline.
The second half turned into a one-sided affair. Miguel Reisinho made it 3–0 in the 61st minute, effectively ending any hopes of a Remo Stars comeback.
As Remo Stars moved forward in search of a goal, they were rpunished on the counter. Arthur Sales and Tsiki Ntsabeleng scored two more goals to complete the thrashing and accentuate the clinical edge of Sundowns.
The only moment of joy for Remo.Star came in the 77th minute, when Samson Olasupo netted a consolation goal following a scramble in the penalty area of Sundowns.
The 5–1 result leaves Sundowns. with one foot firmly in the group stage ahead of the return leg in Pretoria next weekend.
