No Stage Too Big For Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates Youngsters Show Mettle For Caf Football

Betway Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates drew first blood against their north African opponents in their respective first legs of the CAF Champions League and kept the all-South African dream final alive as they have one foot in the semi-finals.

Both sides will not have it easy though, with both their opponents being the leading sides in their respective domestic leagues. It therefore not a foregone conclusion that the South Africans will make the next round despite their advantage.

Brazilians striker Peter Shalulile was on target as Sundowns secured a tense 1-0 win over Tunisian outfit Esperance de Tunis at the Loftus Versveld Stadium, while substitute Mohau Nkota's second-half strike ensured that Pirates secured a hard-fought 1-0 win away from home against Algerian side MC Alger at the July 5th 1962 Stadium in Algeria on Tuesday.

Both sides will be in action next week in the second leg of their respective matches and here Obakeng Meletse looks at the three important talking points ahead of their return fixtures.

Nkota loving continental football