Mamelodi Sundowns cruised to the group stages of the CAF Champions League after defeating Bumamuru 6-0 on aggregate in the second preliminary round.
Sundowns welcomed back captain Themba Zwane, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Lebohang Maboe from their win over Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday and gave goalkeeper Denis Onyango his first start of the season.
However, Masandawana were forced to make a substitution with just five minutes played as Ribeiro pulled up with a knock and was replaced by Thapelo Morena.
That didn’t disrupt the all-conquering outfit though as Mothobi Mvala managed to get his head on a telling delivery and nodded in to give the host a 5-0 cushion on aggregate.
Full-back Aubrey Modiba, who scored a sublime free-kick in midweek against Stellenbosch, looked to find one again from the same scenario but didn’t make it count on this occasion.
Substitute Morena looked to cap his entry in style off a clever angled shot on the cusp of the area with the defence on the back-foot, but the winger-cum defender failed to find target.
Masandawana continued the dominance two minutes in the second half as Mokoena made it two with a trademark ferocious strike from way out.
The boys from Burundi did fancy an opening a little later but were kept in check by the marauding Mudau ably assisted by Mvala, Mosa Lebusa and Modiba.
Sundowns, though, remained in control and commanding advantage weren’t in any danger, as the likes of Sphelele Mkhulise, Brian Onyango and Junior Mendieta got a run out from the bench.
In the end, the South African champions cruised to a dominant aggregate victory and entered the group stages of the Champions League for the ninth straight season.
Confirmed line-up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: D.Onyango, Mvala, Lebusa, Zungu, Mudau, Mokoena, Modiba, Maseko, Zwane, Maboe, Ribeiro
Subs: Williams, De Reuck, B.Onyango, Mkhulise, Morena, Maema, Ngobeni, Mendieta, Shalulile
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