Downs have it all their way
WRITING ON THE WALL: VILAKAZI DELIVERS FINAL BLOW
Brazilians next face Esperance in what will be a top of the table clash.
Mamelodi Sundowns proved to be too good for Congolese side AS Vita at the State des Martyrs in Kinshasa yesterday, as they mustered a 3-1 victory to move joint top of Caf Champions League Group C, along with Tunisian giants Esperance.
Liberian forward Anthony Laffor’s diving header opened the scoring for Masandawana in the 24th minute after he was beautifully set-up by a Tebogo Langerman cross from the left. The lead was nonetheless shortlived as Mali international Omar Sidibe found the equaliser eight minutes later, beating reigning Africa-based Player-of-the-Year Denis Onyango with a low shot from outside the penalty area.
Yannick Zakri had seen most of the first half chances going his way – he made an impression in the game as early as the ninth minute, following great combination play by Themba Zwane and Sibusiso Vilakazi, but the Ivorian’s shot found Vita goalkeeper Nelson Lukong wide awake as he palmed the ball to safety.
Zakri was again at the end of a Sundowns attack after he created space for himself following his successful dribble to escape from two defenders, allowing him to unleash a thunderous shot – he got the better of the ‘keeper, but was denied by the crossbar three minutes before the break.
But Zakri eventually got his goal and restored the Brazilians’ lead in the 56th minute as he made no mistake from close range.
Zwane could have sealed the three points 22 minutes before full-time as he missed a sitter after Percy Tau did well to deliver a sublime cross from the right, only to see Zwane balloon his effort off the mark.
It was Vilakazi who did ever-sowell to keep his composure in the box, as he calmly hit the final nail in the coffin to seal the deal for Masandawana in the 77th minute.
Bafana Ba Style’s next opponents in the Champions League are Esperance on June 2 in what will be a top of the table clash.
First, however, Pitso Mosimane’s side have to fight on Saturday for a runners-up position in the Absa Premiership and an automatic spot in next year’s Champions League.
Sundowns currently sit on 56 points, with Cape Town City hot on their heels with 55, meaning if Downs fail to win away to Highlands Park, and City win at Polokwane City, it is Eric Tinkler’s side who will join Bidvest Wits in the 2018 Champions League.