Mamelodi Sundowns sent a strong message to their rivals with a quality performance on Saturday night after a huge 4-0 win over Mbabane Swallows.
The first leg of the Caf Champions League second preliminary round game was staged at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
Pressure was on coach Manqoba Mngqithi to deliver after elimination from the MTN8 competition by Stellenbosch. They were playing an unpredictable team that was keen on causing an upset in the continental outing.
Rayners opens account after Ribeiro and Lebusa strike
Masandawana needed two minutes to make their intent clear; new signing Asekho Tiwani was brought down in the six-yard area and the referee did not hesitate to award the Brazilians a penalty. Lucas Ribeiro rose for the occasion to give the Premier Soccer League champions a perfect start.
The Brazilians attacked with every opportunity presented as Swallows looked lost. Mosa Lebusa rose highest to head home a Ribeiro corner to double the advantage in the 17th minute.
New signing Arthur Sales who looked impressive in the game, was forced off after just 27 minutes due to what looked like a knock. Thapelo Maseko was introduced in the South American's place.
The changes did little to affect Sundowns' mood. Iqraam Rayners, who was making his debut, received a good ball from the right wing. The 28-year-old needed just two touches to make it 3-0 in favour of his team, and a healthy half-time lead.
Ribeiro is back! Did Shasha lose his scoring boot?
Even with the commanding lead, Masandawana wanted more goals after the break and within three minutes after the restart, Lebohang Maboe had forced Swallows into a brilliant save. The returning Ronwen Williams had an easy time in goal, thanks to his teammates.
Ribeiro completed his brace in the 54th minute when he received the ball just outside the area, and beat his marker before unleashing a low shot past the goalkeeper. That was his last meaningful contribution as Peter Shalulile replaced him three minutes later.
The Namibia international's first touch could have been a goal but he somehow failed to beat Mathabela Sandanzwe from close range. In the 63rd minute, once again, he got a good ball from Rayners but missed the target.
Maseko also had his chance but failed to capitalise, but it mattered less as Sundowns picked a huge win away, making the second leg on Saturday a mere formality.
