CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns reach group stage with 7-1 aggregate win over Remo Stars

South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns are through to the group stage of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League after overcoming Nigeria’s Remo Stars with a 7-1 aggregate triumph.

Having established a commanding 5-1 lead in the first leg away from home, the Brazilians entered the return leg in Pretoria with confidence and wasted no time in asserting their authority.

Sundowns started strong, creating early chances and controlling possession from the outset. In the 20th minute, Nuno Santos opened the scoring with a composed finish following a well-timed assist from Aubrey Modiba.

The home side continued to apply relentless pressure, and just before the halftime whistle, Peter Shalulile doubled the lead with a clinical strike from a corner, giving Masandawana a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.

The second half saw no change in momentum, as Sundowns continued to dictate the pace and dominate all areas of the pitch. Remo Stars attempted to find a way back into the match but were unable to penetrate Sundowns’ organised defence or match their intensity.

Khuliso Mudau came close to extending the advantage after setting up another opportunity for Shalulile early in the second stanza, but the Nigerian side managed to clear their lines. Despite their efforts, Remo Stars could not find a breakthrough, and Sundowns maintained control until the final whistle.

With the victory, Mamelodi Sundowns sealed an emphatic 7-1 aggregate triumph, booking their spot in the group stage for an impressive 11th consecutive season. The result underscores their stature as one of the continent’s elite clubs and strong contenders for this year’s Champions League title.

The South African champions will now turn their focus to the group stage, where they will look to build on their strong start and aim for a return to the final after coming close in previous campaigns.