Mamelodi Sundowns hammer Mbabane Swallows to earn spot in CAF CL group stage

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place in the CAF Champions League group stages with a dominant 4-0 victory over Mbabane Swallows, completing an 8-0 aggregate triumph.

After winning the first leg 4-0 last weekend at the same venue, the Brazilians cruised through the second leg with a comfortable performance.

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi made sweeping changes to the starting XI, introducing several new faces.

Erwin Saavedra made his long-awaited return after 20 months, while Thembinkosi Lorch earned his first start of the season.

Other notable starters included Rushine De Reuck, Malibongwe Khoza, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Divine Lunga, and Kobamelo Kodisang.

Although Sundowns dominated possession in the first half, clear-cut chances were initially scarce.

The breakthrough came when Divine Lunga delivered a cross to Kobamelo Kodisang, who calmly tapped in at the far post.

Early in the second half, Malibongwe Khoza doubled the lead with a well-placed header from a Lorch free-kick.

Lorch, instrumental throughout the game, got on the scoresheet himself in the 62nd minute, netting his first goal of the season.

Just three minutes later, Sphelele Mkhulise added a fourth, sealing the comprehensive win.