A strong come from behind effort saw South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns thrash Ghana’s Medeama SC 3-1 in the first leg of their Caf Confederation Cup duel on Saturday.
It took the Masawanda the final nine minutes to cancel an Eric Kwakwa opener before going on two score two extra goals to clinch a first leg advantage at the Lucks Moripe Stadium.
Kwakwa caught the hosts off guard and put Medeama ahead just in the opening seconds with the Mauves and Yellows impressively holding on to their lead till first half whistle.
Medeama produced a strong defensive abilities as Sundowns kept probing and eventually wore down the Ghanaians.
And in the 81st minute, Sundowns pulled level from a corner kick. A powerfully driven Keagan Dolly corner was met by a near post header from Leonardo Castro which beat goalkeeper Muntari Tagoe.
Three minutes later, Sundowns took a 2-1 lead through a stunning effort from Zimbabwean forward Khama Billiat before dashing any hopes of an equalizer from Medeama with another goal in the 87th minute.
Cuthbert Maljila who came in for Liberia’s Anthony Laffor four minutes into second half made no mistake to as he produced a calm finish to end the scores at 3-1 for the South Africans.
Medeama will need at least two goals without reply when the two sides meet in the second leg at the Essipong Stadium to stand a chance of making a first time appearance at the ‘Money Zone’ of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The second leg is scheduled for May 16.
Line-ups
Medeama XI vs Sundowns: Muntari Tagoe – Samuel Adade, Moses Sarpong, Daniel Amoah, Paul Aidoo – Malik Akowuah, Kwesi Donsu, Eric Kwakwa, Kwame Boahene, Samuel Bio – Abass Mohammed
Sundowns XI vs Medeama: Wayne Sandilands, Ramalwe Mphalele, Thabo Nthethe, Tebogo Langermann, Wayne Arendse, Hlompho Kekana, Keagan Dolly, Mzikayize Mashaba, Anthony Laffor/Cuthbert Maljila, Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro