The Brazilians came from a goal down to hammer the Yellow and Mauves three goals within the last nine minutes of the game.
Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Medeama SC 3-1 in the first leg of the Caf Confederation Cup playoffs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday.
Tom Strand maintained the side that edged past Al-Ahly Shendi in the second leg of the previous round.
Eric Kwakwa caught out home goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands by whipping in a powerful shot within the first minute to give Medeama a stunning lead.
Sundowns, who recently won their domestic Premier Soccer League, tried to fight back but kept failing to create goal chances.
An opportunity emerged by the 26 th minute for the Brazilians when Anthony Laffor lunged into Medeama’s area unmarked, and instead of unleashing his finish, the midfielder chose to lay for Leonardo Castro, whose move was quickly neutralised by Paul Aidoo for the visitors.
The Yellow and Mauve had another scare by the 29th minute when Castro’s volley crashed against the post. Six minutes later, Mzikayize Mashaba was set up deep in the Ghanaians area but his last ditch effort couldn’t go past goalkeeper Muntari Tagoe, who made sure their one-goal lead stood as both teams left for the break.
In second half, Medeama coach Tom Strand brought on Benjamin Bature for Kwame Boahene, who found himself behind the hosts’ backline after being played through but the best he could achieve from that position was a side net kick.
The visitors finally cracked in the 81 st minute when Castro claimed the equaliser after rising above Aiddo to head home a corner. Three minutes later, a howler from goalkeeper Tagoe handed Sundowns the lead. Khama Billiat sent in a 40-yard volley but Tagoe miscalculated the Zimbabwean’s effort only to find the ball at the right corner of the post.
Medeama threw men forward in search of the equaliser but were caught on the counter, with substitute Cuthbert Malajila calmly tapping home his side’s third goal after 87 minutes.
The second leg of the tie will take place on May 18 at the Essipong Sports Stadium and the winner will march on to the group stage of the competition.
GOAL