Sundowns edge Lekie to claim first Champions League victory

Mamelodi Sundowns began their CAF Women’s Champions League Group A campaign with a 2-1 win against Lekie Football Girls at the Suez Canal Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The inaugural champions were seeking a response after a frustrating opening match against Masar, and they had an early opportunity to take control of the contest.

Five minutes after kick-off, a defensive mistake allowed Ronnel Donnelly to meet the ball first time inside the penalty area. Her effort appeared destined for the net, but Lekie goalkeeper Calixte Chantal got a touch to divert it against the post.

Lekie responded positively to that warning. Monele Mhanga then came close to opening the scoring for the Cameroonian side, sending a powerful header from inside the area narrowly over Andile Dlamini’s goal.

Sundowns gradually regained control and broke the deadlock three minutes into half-time. Donnelly moved beyond the last defender and, turning on the half-turn, picked out Refilwe Tholakele, who kept her finish low and placed it into the near corner.

Sundowns survive late pressure

Donnelly remained a constant threat after the interval and nearly doubled the advantage nine minutes into the second half. She met a corner with a free header in the middle of the area, but Chantal produced another important save.

Lekie continued to spend long periods defending deep before surviving another close call inside the hour. Nthabiseng Majiya attempted to turn a corner towards the near post with a back-heel, but the ball struck the side-netting.

The debutants then tried to respond. Claudia Voulania created room just outside the penalty area and sent an effort towards goal, although it landed on the top of the net.

With the match finely balanced, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Godfrey Sapula introduced fresh players during the final quarter. Isabella Ludwig, Lelona Daweti and Melinda Kgadiete were brought on as Sundowns looked to protect their advantage.

Lekie finally found an equaliser with five minutes remaining. Shalom Makoma made space on the far side outside the area before curling a shot into the top corner, beyond Dlamini’s reach.

Sundowns, however, regained the lead two minutes later. A free-kick caused confusion in the Lekie defence and Ivan Yakana inadvertently deflected the ball into her own net while attempting to clear it. Chantal was unable to prevent it from crossing the line.

The result gives Sundowns their first points of the tournament and puts their Group A campaign back on track after the defeat by Masar.