Mamelodi Sundowns have further improved their CAF Champions League record by reaching the quarterfinals for the third time in their history.
The defending champions confirmed their place in the last eight after beating Ethiopian side St George on Saturday, courtesy of a late strike by Anthony Laffor.
They join the likes of Esperance and Etoile du Sahel (both Tunisia), who have confirmed their spots with one round of matches still to play in all four groups.
Sundowns' victory was bitter-sweet for their goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who previously played for the Ethiopians.
Onyango, who saved a penalty while the score was 0-0, said the most important thing for him was ensuring Sundowns' passage to the last eight.
"I worked for St George before, but when I came back it was for Sundowns. I thank the supporters because when I came out for the warm ups they clapped for me. They were welcoming and it was very emotional," Onyango reacted.
The Brazilians mentor Pitso Mosimane believes their experience in Africa's elite competition, especially winning the competition last year, played a part in their victory.
"We have the experience (in CAF) and you could see we controlled the ball in the second half. We have players who play for Bafana Bafana, so we controlled," he added.
Sundowns, who are second in Group C, will host AS Vita Club in their final match next weekend, while Esperance will be at home against St George. These matches are not dead rubbers considering that the winner of Group C will meet the runner-up of Group D. The winner of Group D will meet the runner-up of group C.
Group D is led by Zambia's Zanaco who could be Sundowns' opponents in the last eight. Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca are in second spot in the group but Al-Ahly are not out of the picture yet.
Downs qualify for the last eight
Mamelodi Sundowns have further improved their CAF Champions League record by reaching the quarterfinals for the third time in their history.
The defending champions confirmed their place in the last eight after beating Ethiopian side St George on Saturday, courtesy of a late strike by Anthony Laffor.
They join the likes of Esperance and Etoile du Sahel (both Tunisia), who have confirmed their spots with one round of matches still to play in all four groups.
Sundowns' victory was bitter-sweet for their goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who previously played for the Ethiopians.
Onyango, who saved a penalty while the score was 0-0, said the most important thing for him was ensuring Sundowns' passage to the last eight.
"I worked for St George before, but when I came back it was for Sundowns. I thank the supporters because when I came out for the warm ups they clapped for me. They were welcoming and it was very emotional," Onyango reacted.
The Brazilians mentor Pitso Mosimane believes their experience in Africa's elite competition, especially winning the competition last year, played a part in their victory.
"We have the experience (in CAF) and you could see we controlled the ball in the second half. We have players who play for Bafana Bafana, so we controlled," he added.
Sundowns, who are second in Group C, will host AS Vita Club in their final match next weekend, while Esperance will be at home against St George. These matches are not dead rubbers considering that the winner of Group C will meet the runner-up of Group D. The winner of Group D will meet the runner-up of group C.
Group D is led by Zambia's Zanaco who could be Sundowns' opponents in the last eight. Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca are in second spot in the group but Al-Ahly are not out of the picture yet.