Mamelodi Sundowns became the second qualifiers for the CAF Champions League quarter-finals by outplaying Nigerian visitors Lobi Stars 3-0 on Saturday.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Trophy-holders Esperance were first to book a last-eight place, defeating Horoya of Guinea 2-0 Friday to clinch first place in Group B.
The other six qualifiers will be known next Saturday after the final round of group matches.
Sundowns could not have wished for a better start as Thapelo Morena scored 106 seconds into the first half before a large crowd despite the late-evening kick-off.
Themba Zwane and Lebohang Maboe then netted within a minute close to half-time, leaving the former champions with a three-goal half-time advantage.
Sundowns coasted through the second half, content to retain the big lead and knowing that maximum points would guarantee a top-two finish in Group A and a quarter-finals place.
Lobi were a huge disappointment, failing to show the spirit and defensive organisation that earned them an unexpected draw away to Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in the previous round.
Wydad had hoped to join Sundowns in the last-eight by winning in the Ivory Coast against ASEC Mimosas, a side they trounced 5-2 in the opening matchday two months ago.
But they came unstuck in Abidjan as Amed Toure netted twice to end a five-match personal goal drought, earn ASEC a 2-0 win and keep alive hopes of a last-eight place.
Sundowns have 10 points going into the final series of mini-league matches, Wydad and ASEC seven each and Lobi four.
Should Wydad beat Sundowns in Morocco and ASEC defeat Lobi in Nigeria, there will be a three-way tie on 10 points, but the South Africans are sure of a top-two finish on head-to-head records.
Whatever the outcome, two former champions will advance with Wydad winning the elite African club competition in 1992 and 2017, Sundowns in 2016 and ASEC in 1998.
