Thembinkosi Lorch sealed the victory between Sundowns and Nouadhibou. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)
Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Mauritanian club Nouadhibou 2-0 at home on Saturday to advance to the final round of the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns' breakthrough came in the 20th minute, when Marcelo Allende sent a pinpoint cross to Grant Kekana, who headed it past the opposition goalkeeper and put South Africa on course for victory.
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There were some heated moments during the match, including a dangerous challenge from Mauritanian champions captain Moulay Khalil, who was only given a yellow card, but Sundowns kept their cool.
Teboho Mokoena had a golden chance to double Sundowns' lead in the 33rd minute but failed to convert, and goalkeeper Mamoudu Mbozi blocked his attempt to add another point moments later.
Sundowns continued to dominate the match, with Allende adding a second goal early in the second half, but in the end it was Thembinkosi Lorhi who sealed the victory.
Lorhi, who made his mark with his debut goal for Masandawana, deftly got past the goalkeeper in the dying minutes to secure a decisive victory.
Despite some controversial decisions, including Sundowns' canceled goal, the team managed to protect their lead and secure a pass to the next round of the competition.
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