Rivaldo Coetzee made his long-awaited return to top-flight football as Mamelodi Sundowns brushed aside Leones Vegetarianos 2-0 in their Caf Champions League clash in Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday.
After a marathon journey from South Africa, Masandawana got to Malabo last week already, and the decision to arrive early paid off.
Jeremy Brockie continued his goal-rush by opening the scoring in the 10th minute.
The New Zealand international striker got things rolling when he finished a volley from Mosa Lebusa, according to the Sundowns Twitter feed.
Lebohang Maboe and Andile Jali also troubled the home side’s defence, but they were unable to add to the score-line.
Later in the first half, defender Coetzee just missed the net, while Brockie hit the crossbar.
It was all Sundowns in the second half as well, with Gaston Sirino going close twice.
The crucial second goal eventually arrived for Pitso Mosimane’s team, as Maboe found Zwane, who finished for a 2-0 lead.
Maboe had another opportunity late in the match, but even though he was unable to score, Sundowns claimed the victory ahead of the second leg next Tuesday at Loftus Versfeld.
But before that, the Brazilians will take on SuperSport United in a Tshwane derby in the Premiership on Sunday.
Its all over from Equatorial Guinea as Sundowns walk away with a well deserved win! #Sundowns #DownsLive #DownsLeones #CAFCL pic.twitter.com/vCFF5LdoBv
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) November 28, 2018