Remo Stars’ hopes of reaching the group stage of the CAF Champions League have been dashed following a 2-0 defeat to South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of their qualifying tie at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions came into the encounter with a mountain to climb, having suffered a humiliating 5-1 loss in the first leg played at the MKO Abiola Arena, Abeokuta. With a 7-1 aggregate scoreline, their elimination was ultimately confirmed despite a more disciplined display in Pretoria.
Mamelodi Sundowns, last season’s runners-up, wasted little time in asserting control of the match, with Nuno Santos opening the scoring in the 21st minute. The hosts doubled their advantage just before halftime through Namibian forward Peter Shalulile.
Remo Stars showed better composure after the break, keeping the scoreline respectable and even creating a few chances of their own. However, they were unable to find a goal that could have given them some consolation from the tie.
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The result means Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the powerhouses of African club football, advance to the group stage as they continue their quest to reclaim the title they narrowly missed out on last season after losing the final to Pyramids FC.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s representation in the 2025–26 CAF Champions League will now rest solely on Finidi George’s Rivers United, who secured their passage to the group stage with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Black Bulls Maputo of Mozambique.
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