The South African champions delivered a disciplined and clinical performance at home, scoring once in the first half before adding two more after the break to put themselves firmly in control ahead of the return leg in Mali.

After continued pressure from the South Africans, the first goal was finally scored in the 33rd minute when defender Khuliso Mudau finished from close range with a VAR review sealing the deal and giving the hosts a 1–0 lead at the interval.

Stade Malien came out firing after the break, forcing Sundowns and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into action as he denied threatening efforts from Ousmane Coulibaly and Taddeus Nkeng.

Control proceedings

The Brazilians doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Brayan León found the back of the net from close range after a well-placed cross from Nuno Santos. 

The hosts continued to control proceedings and made attacking changes in the second half, introducing Iqraam Rayners, who rewarded the faith of his coaches with a goal in the 73rd minute.

The result gives Mamelodi Sundowns a strong advantage heading into the second leg, while Stade Malien will need a major turnaround at home to keep their continental ambitions alive.

The return match is set for the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on the afternoon of Sunday, 22 March. The aggregate winners will advance to the semifinals to face either Esperance de Tunis or Al Ahly.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg