Sundowns Ladies close to the semis after Wadi Degla thrashing

Mamelodi Sundowns have put one foot and a half into the semifinal of the CAF Women's Champions League with one game to spare after a convincing 4-0 victory over Wadi Degla at Grand Stade de Marrakech.

Both teams came into the contest with varying fortunes as the title holders seek to continue from a 2-1 opening victory over Bayelsa Queens, the Egyptians were looking to bounce back from an unfortunate 1-0 loss to TP Mazembe on Monday.

Lelona Daweti put Jerry Tshabalala’s side ahead in the 10th minute, tapping in from close range her third of the tournament after a great cross from the left by Chuene Morifi.

Nonhlanhla Mthandi set up Melinda Kagdiete, who replaced injured Andisiwe Mgcoyi for the second goal in the 25th minute and Daweti almost got her another but American goalkeeper Kayley Cruz was at her best to make a fine stop before the break.

After recess, the Egyptians started on an enterprising note with the intent to bounce back when forward Mahira Ali forced goalkeeper Andile Dlamini to a brilliant save three minutes after the restart.

The early bright form was soon extinguished when the South African recovered dominance and were rewarded with the third off Boitumelo Rabale's brilliance on the hour mark.

Five minutes later, Morifi was again the provider for the fourth goal of the match for the rampant Sundowns when her low ball into the box was brilliantly met by Rabale, who fired past Cruz.

In the closing stages, the ruthless holders went on to grab their fifth in the 75th minute courtesy of Bambanani Mbane off a well-taken cross from substitute Chantelle Esau to wrap up the win.

The victory puts Sundowns firmly on top of Group B with six points before their dead-rubber final group stage tie with Congolese side TP Mazembe on November 6.

On the other hand, the loss marks a near-exit-door journey for the North African champions, having lost consecutive matches They will look to wrap up their disappointing group stage campaign on a high against Bayelsa Queens on the same day.

On individual accolades, Rabale edged two-assist provider Morifi to the coveted Woman of the Match award following the Lesotho-born attacking midfielder's impactful presence and fine double in the convincing victory of the South Africans.

Source: CAF Online