Mamelodi Sundowns got their CAF Champions League campaign off to a winning start by beating Bumamuru 4-0 at the Azam Complex Stadium, Tanzania on Friday Afternoon.
In this article, we'll take a look at the individual performances of some players on both sides.
Top Performers in Bumamuru vs Mamelodi Sundowns Clash
Unsurprisingly, it was one way traffic in the first leg of this CAF Champions League tie and Mamelodi Sundowns players are represented everywhere here.
Lucas Ribeiro – 8
Lucas had a game to remember for Mamelodi Sundowns. He was virtually everywhere in the final third with some excellent link up play. The Brazilian, who just moved to Sundowns last summer, grabbed a brace in the opening half and played a part in the third goal. He was too hot for the Burundi side to contain in that attacking third.
Lesiba Nku – 7
Next on our list is Lesiba Nku. The flying winger was on from start to finish as he must have impressed coach Rulani Mokwena this afternoon. The former Marumo Gallants star has been taking his chances of late and this should count as one of them. For his efforts, he scored to extend Mamelodi Sundowns' lead to three before the break.
Tebobo Mokoena – 7
Mokoena has been great for Mamelodi Sundowns since his switch from Supersport some seasons ago. The midfielder helped wrestle possession of the ball in his side's favour and got them ticking in the middle of the park. Although he played just 70 minutes of the match, his mark was already made and it was a good outing for him.
Themba Zwane – 6
The skipper was tidy in his performance at the Azam Complex stadium. He was able to link up with the attack adequately as the Brazilians dominated from start to finish. Zwane, who is Sundowns' record goal scorer in the competition, failed to grab a goal on his first appearance of the season on the continent.
Peter Shalulile – 6
The Namibian striker continued to break all kinds of records at Mamelodi Sundowns. He played only 20 minutes and halfway through that, he grabbed his 13th goal in the competition for Sundowns. By virtue of his latest goal, he became the foreigner with the most goals for the Brazilians – 105 goals. What a feat!
Lowest Player Ratings in Bumamuru vs Mamelodi Sundowns Clash
Again, it's really no surprise that the lowest ratings were mostly awarded to players from the losing team. One can't fault them because they came up against a superior opposition in Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ali Shabani Valentin – 5
Despite being the star of the previous round where he scored a hat trick against Centre Sportif Bendje to help his side progress, Valentin was underwhelming against Mamelodi Sundowns and it's understandable. The Striker didn't get enough service from his teammates and was just labouring tirelessly in attack to see if he could get something, but it didn't happen.
Haile Nduwimana – 4
To be fair, the goalkeeper tried his best between the sticks but it was just simply beyond him. The 23-year-old, just like the rest of the squad, were soundly beaten and outran by superior opponents. He can be proud of his side's achievement of reaching this stage of the competition and focus on the league back home.
Mokomo Eldhino – 4
This is a player who played excellently in the previous round against the Gabonese side. He scored two goals in that game to help his side reach this stage. The midfielder could not just get a hold of the midfield from the likes of Zwane and Mokoena.
This article was most recently revised and updated 12 months ago
