Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Al Ahly 1-0 in the first leg of their African Football League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld.
Gaston Sirino made another start while Grant Kekana and Rivaldo Coetzee set out in defence ahead of the suspended Mothobi Mvala, with Percy Tau started for the visitors against his former side.
Ahly were quick out on the front-foot during the opening stages before relentless over-loads in midfield as well as wide spaces forced the Brazilians into a tight line.
Sirino, who was once touted for a move away from the club as he fell down the pecking order, looked to get a move going after a decoy run but couldn't combine with Themba Zwane.
Masandawana were keen to get the breakthrough following the half-hour mark as Aubrey Modiba dragged over a promising free-kick before Thapelo Maseko stung the gloves of Mohamed El-Shenawy with a first-time header.
Modiba worked out another chance later in the half and curled over the top after lining up for a free-kick from a clever distance around the danger area.
Sundowns were ahead shortly after the break as Maseko dropped a shoulder left of the box and fired in the bottom-corner – giving El Shenawy no chance.
The Brazilians did make the first substitution too six minutes later and removed Sirino to bring on fellow South American Junior Mendieta.
Masandawana continued on the attack late in the half and had Mokoena brought El Shenawy to a fine save with a long-range strike.
The Cairo Red Devils pushed for the equaliser following the closing stages, but Masandawana were denied a second goal when Mendieta headed against the post from a corner as it finished 1-0 at Loftus.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Coetzee, Boutouil, Mudau, Mokoena, Modiba, Allende, Zwane, Sirino, Maseko
Subs: D.Onyango, De Reuck, Lebusa, B.Onyango, NKu, Zungu, Mashego, Mendieta, Mkhulise, Mabena, Maema, Maboe
Al Ahly: El Shenawy, Maaloul, Abd Almonem, Hany, Rabia, Marawan, Dieng, Afsha, Reda Slim, Tau, Salah Moshen.
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