Nigeria’s League champions, Remo Stars, saw their CAF Champions League dream end on Sunday after a 7-1 aggregate defeat to South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns in the second preliminary round.
The return leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria finished 2-0 in favour of the hosts, confirming the gulf in experience between the two sides. Sundowns, five-time South African champions and 2016 African kings, were in control from the outset.
With goalkeeper Ronwen Williams rested, veteran Denis Onyango started between the sticks, while Peter Shalulile and new signing Nuno Santos led the attack. Their dominance was quickly told, as Santos combined beautifully with Aubrey Modiba to score his first goal for the club in the 20th minute.
Remo Stars, seeking redemption after their 5-1 home loss in Abeokuta, attempted to steady themselves midway through the first half. A well-worked short corner saw Ebuka Anthony and Adama Goita combine, but their effort failed to trouble Onyango.
Just before halftime, Shalulile doubled Sundowns’ advantage with a precise finish after a flowing move through midfield, effectively ending any hopes of a Nigerian comeback. In the second half, Sundowns maintained control, dictating tempo with fluid passing and positional discipline.
