Eight time African champions Al Ahly suffered their biggest ever loss in a continental competition after getting on the wrong end of a 5-0 mauling at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns in a first leg CAF Champions League quarter final tie.
In front of a packed Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, Sundowns ran riot with five different players on the scoresheet. Themba Zwane opened the floodgates in the 14th minute with his sixth goal of the campaign before Wayne Arendse doubled the lead in the 24th.
Things got worse for the Egyptians early in the second half after Brazilian centre back Ricardo Nascimento scored from the penalty spot. More goals from Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Sirino and Phakamani Mahlambi sealed a famous win for Sundowns who are coached by former Bafana Bafana manager Pitso Mosimane. The result leaves his opposite number Martin Lasarte’s job on the line with Al Ahly legend Wael Gomaa saying “his days are numbered.”
In other results, five-time champions TP Mazembe forced hosts Simba to a goalless draw in Dar-es-Salam with John Bocco failing to convert a 60th minute penalty for the Tanzanians.
In Conakry, Horoya of Guinea and Wydad Casablanca played out a 0-0 draw while CS Constantine lost 3-2 to visiting Esperance of Tunisia in a five goal thriller. The Algerians who were founded in 1898 and pride themselves as Africa’s oldest club, fought back from two goals down to level the scores at 2-2 before Mohammed Ali Yacoubi scored the winner for the visitors in the 74th minute.
Second leg matches will take place on Saturday 13 March 2019.