Mamelodi Sundowns maintained their unbeaten record in the CAF Champions League group stages with a 3-0 win over Al Merrikh on Saturday afternoon.
No fewer than six new additions for Sundowns from their win over Al-Hilal Omdurman showed in Mosa Lebusa, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, George Maluleka, Neo Maema and Surprise Ralani.
Unsurprisingly it was the Tshwane giants that had the strong opening from a cross out wide and into the area by Modiba where Ralani's snap-shot ricochet off the post.
Sundowns proved decisive with 15 minutes played as a corner-kick at the near post of the area from Modiba combined with Maluleka, who attacked and headed in his very first for the Brazilians.
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfield general looked to snatch a brace minutes apart when he curled a free-kick from the edge of the area beyond the top corner.
Sundowns experienced the lion share of possession in the closing exchanges of the first half, while Merrikh continued to chase shadows on all fronts.
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Merrikh were lively after halftime with balls in behind the defence before Haashim Domingo chest down a supply on the edge of the area and volleyed wide from close-range.
Masandawana consolidated play on 65 minutes after pressure high-up the pitch from Domingo led Merrikh to concede possession to Ralani, who then ran clean on goal to find the back of the net.
The Brazilians snatched a third in pure style six minutes later when Kermit Erasmus turned goal-wards on the edge of the area and volleyed a diagonal pass into the top corner.
Sundowns added a fresh face to their playing personnel ten minutes before time, as former SuperSport United man Teboho Mokoena replaced Andile Jali.
A consolation were on the cards for Merrikh as the minutes ticked away, but the reflexes of Reyaad Pieterse ensured otherwise as Masandawana cruised to victory.
Confirmed line-ups:
Sundowns: Pieterse, Lebusa, De Reuck, Kekana, Modiba, Jali, Maluleka, Domingo, Maema, Kapinga, Ralani
Subs: Goss, Mudau, Lakay, Mokoena, Maboe, Mvala, Erasmus, Sirino, Zwane