Preview: Mamelodi Sundowns set sights on another CAF Champions League rout against Remo Stars

The South African champions hold a commanding 5-1 aggregate lead from the first leg in Abeokuta, where they dismantled the Nigerian Premier Football League side with a dominant performance.

Goals from Tashreeq Matthews, Peter Shalulile and Miguel Reisinho had the tie effectively sealed by half-time, before Arthur Sales added a fourth. Samson Olasupo briefly gave Remo Stars hope, but Katlego Ntsabeleng, on loan from Major League Soccer, rounded off the win with his first goal for the club.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso was pleased with his side's ruthlessness, particularly from several new arrivals. "It was a very professional performance," Cardoso said after the match. "The new players have settled quickly and showed they can make an impact at this level."

Reisinho and Ntsabeleng both scored their first goals for Sundowns, while Portuguese winger Nuno Santos, another recent signing, supplied an assist. Matthews also impressed, rediscovering his scoring touch after a spell of inconsistency.

Shalulile, who was linked with a move away during the last transfer window, underlined his commitment to the club with a typically composed finish. His goal in Nigeria extended his tally in CAF competitions to 16 for Sundowns.

Sundowns' progress looks all but assured given their five away goals, which serve as the primary tiebreaker in two-legged CAF fixtures. The Pretoria side, last season's Champions League runners-up, are also benefiting from a short break after their midweek domestic clash with Sekhukhune United was postponed.

Injuries remain a concern, however. Thapelo Morena and Iqraam Rayners are still doubtful after recent fitness setbacks, while captain Themba Zwane continues to recover from a long-term injury. Even so, Sundowns' strength in depth remains a major asset, with Bafana Bafana winger Thapelo Maseko likely to feature.

For Remo Stars, the task is monumental. They must overturn a four-goal deficit away from home against one of Africa's most consistent sides. Since winning the title in 2016, Sundowns have reached at least the quarter-finals in every campaign except 2017-18, losing only one knockout tie to a Sub-Saharan opponent, Angola's Petro de Luanda in 2023.

Sunday's clash kicks off at 15h30, with Sundowns expected to put on another commanding display as they march towards another Champions League group stage.