South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns proved far too strong for Nigerian champions Remo Stars, cruising to a 5–1 victory in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash on Sunday.

It was always going to be a daunting task for the NPFL champions, and their fears were confirmed early as the visitors raced into a two-goal lead. Tashreeq Mathews opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a crisp finish into the bottom corner, before striker Peter Shalulile doubled the advantage moments before halftime, latching onto goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ pinpoint goalkick to silence the home fans at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

After the break, Miguel Silva and Arthur Sales added further goals in the 61st and 75th minutes as the South Africans’ dominance continued. Remo Stars finally found a moment to cheer when substitute Samson Olasupo slotted home a fine finish to make it 4–1, but Katlego Ntsabeleng restored Sundowns’ four-goal cushion in the 85th minute to wrap up a commanding performance.

Remo Stars welcomed Victor Mbaoma and Ahmed Akinyele back into the starting XI following injury and national team duty, while Adama Goita led the line supported by Alex Oyowah and Adams Olamilekan in midfield. Despite starting with intent and energy, the Sky Blue Stars struggled to sustain pressure or trouble Sundowns’ defense, with goalkeeper Obassa Adeniyi called upon several times to prevent further damage.

With the emphatic win, Mamelodi Sundowns take a near-unassailable advantage into the return leg next weekend in South Africa, where Remo Stars will need a miracle to overturn the deficit and keep their continental hopes alive.