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The Harambee Stars defender looked solid as he helped Mamelodi Sundowns secure their first Champions League win of the season.
Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela looked solid in his 27 minute cameo as South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns coasted to victory against Nouadhibou in their opening African Champions League encounter played on Sunday.
Mandela did not have much to do, as he made one blocked shot, but was impressive with the majority of the passes he attempted, making 20 out of 21 successful passes.
The game started at a high tempo, with the visitors looking to nullify Downs’ passing tempo with a physical approach to the game, accruing a high number of fouls in the opening stages. Neo Maema was the first to have a sight at goal, as he combined with Terrence Mashego in the box, before his shot was saved by Babacar Diop.
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13:30 - 26.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Kenyan defender on target as Bristol City down Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough
The Kenyan defender had a rollercoaster of a game, scoring a headed goal but also putting the ball into the back of his own net in unfortunate version.
Masandawana continued to threaten and managed to break the deadlock halfway through the first half when Khuliso Mudau launched a counter attack which resulted in Lucas Ribeiro finding the back of the net with his first of the group phase.
The lead would be doubled shortly afterwards by Peter Shalulile, who scored his second in as many games since returning from injury when he headed home the in-swinging corner from Marcelo Allende.
The Brazilians would manage proceedings until the break and went into halftime with a two-goal advantage to protect.
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12:00 - 26.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Anyembe’s Viborg overcome Manchester United’s Champions League opponents Copenhagen in tight encounter
Anyembe's Viborg overcame Manchester United's Champions League opponents FC Copenhagen on Saturday.
The second half started with two chances in quick succession for Thapelo Morena, who was making his long-awaited return from a spell on the sidelines. The first of his chances saw him draw a save from Diop in goal, before his second effort went just over the bar as he was played in by Shalulile.
Coach Rulani and the technical staff rang the changes, bringing on Brian Onyango, Lebohand Maboe and Gaston Sirino to try and increase the lead and protect the clean sheet.
Substitute Sirino would be involved in the biggest flashpoint of the second half, when he was brought down cynically by Diop as the last man, resulting in the Mauritian team being reduced to 10 men as their keeper was sent off.
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10:30 - 26.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars winger’s future at Bradford looks bleak as he stays on the bench four games in a row
Although he has scored a goal and registered three assists in all competitions since arriving, the Leeds United academy graduate has been used sparingly since the departure of Mark Hughes.
Sirino stepped up to the plate and slotted home the very free kick which he won on the edge of the box to make the result a certainty for the team in yellow.
Coach Rulani introduced Sipho Mbule and Ntando Nkosi into the fray in the closing stages and the team from Chloorkop comfortably closed out the game, stringing together long sequences of passess and denying Nouadhibou any chances to score.
In the end it was The Brazilians who walked away with three goals and three points to get their CAF Champions League group campaign underway with a win. Up next, a short turn around to gear up for a return to DStv Premiership action in the upcoming Tshwane Derby.
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13:11 - 25.11.2023
FOOTBALL Ronaldo leading Benzema, Mahrez, Olunga in Middle East Player of the Year award polls
Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga is in contention for the award which will be handed on 19th January 2024.
Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya WhatsApp Channel for more news.
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