The hard-fought result in Bamako, Mali means Mamelodi Sundowns have clinched their sixth semifinals spot in the club’s history.
Kabo Yellow join three other semifinalists in the two Moroccan clubs RS Berkane and AS FAR, as well as Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: STADE MALIEN (2) 2-3 (0) MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The match in Bamako began at a frantic pace, with Stade Malien taking the lead almost immediately as Taddeus Nkeng rose to meet Mamadou Traore’s delivery and headed past goal, with VAR eventually confirming the strike after an initial offside call.
Nkeng thought he had added a second goal not long after when he was played through and finished calmly beyond Ronwen Williams, but once again VAR intervened, ruling the effort out and giving Mamelodi Sundowns a lifeline.
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The conditions made things difficult for Sundowns, as the heat disrupted their usual rhythm and passing flow, leaving them unable to create meaningful chances during the opening stages while Malien looked more threatening going forward.
That pressure paid off just before the break when Haman Mandjan reacted quickest after Ousmane Coulibaly’s attempt came back off the woodwork, striking a powerful effort that left Sundowns trailing by two goals at halftime.
KABO YELLOW WITHSTAND PRESSURE
Sundowns showed more urgency after the restart and briefly thought they had pulled one back when Iqraam Rayners forced the ball over the line from close range, but the assistant’s flag cut short the moment.
Miguel Cardoso responded by turning to his bench, introducing Brayan Leon and Tashreeq Matthews in an attempt to change the tempo, but the momentum never fully shifted in their favour.
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Matters became more complicated when Aubrey Modiba was sent off for a dangerous challenge in the 77th minute, forcing Sundowns to adjust again, with Nuno Santos making way for Divine Lunga as they looked to protect their advantage.
Despite Malien pushing forward in the closing stages in search of another goal that would force extra time, Sundowns managed the final moments well and did enough to secure progression to the semi-finals for a fourth consecutive season.
The semifinals draw will be delivered in due course.
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