Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the Caf Champions League group stages after beating Rayon Sports 2-0 in a second-leg qualifying match at Loftus Versveld Stadium on Sunday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The visitors came out with intent in the opening exchanges and nearly broke the deadlock in the fifth minute after Shaban Hussen latched on to a loose ball before unleashing a powerful strike at goal, but Denis Onyango made a fine save to deny the midfielder.

Sundowns should’ve taken the lead in the 19th minute when Gaston Sirino received a ball from Themba Zwane, but the winger blazed his effort over the target from close range.

Percy Tau came even closer to opening the scoring a minute later, but his curling effort from distance sailed wide of the target.

The home side eventually broke the deadlock after 34 minutes when Tau picked out Wayne Arendse, whose volley found the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Tau had a chance of his own five minutes later, but the forward failed to beat Jean-Luc Ndayishimiye in an one-on-one situation.

Sundowns went into the half-time interval with a 1-0 lead over Rayon.

The Brazilians came out the stronger side and doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half when Sibusiso Vilakazi headed home the rebound after Sirino’s strike was palmed on to the woodwork by the Rayon shot-stopper.

Sundowns should’ve put the game to bed in the 67th minute after Tau received a through ball from Sirino, but the forward failed to beat the Rayon goalkeeper in another one-on-one situation.

The visitors pressed forward in search of a goal but were finding it hard to break down the Sundowns defence.

Rayon were then reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Caleb Bimenyimana was shown his marching orders for a dangerous tackle on Tebogo Langerman.

However, Sundowns held on to their two-goal lead over Rayon until the final whistle to advance to the group stages of the Caf Champions League.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix