Liberia’s Anthony Laffor entered the finals of Africa’s most prestigious club competition on a high note after his Mamelodi Sundowns earned a convincing 3-0 victory over Egyptian Premier League side, Zamalek SC.

First half goals from Laffor and South African Tebogo Langerman, and a second half own goal by Islam Gamal were enough to hand the Sundowns their much-needed win on home soil in the CAF Champions League finals.

Having beaten Zamalek twice in the group stage, the Sundowns began the match with confidence in front of over 40,000 home supporters. They took control of the opening minutes despite failing to convert their threatening attacks into early goals.

However, the deadlock was broken on the half-hour mark through veteran Liberian attacker, Laffor, who picked up a crucial pass from South African defensive midfielder, Hlompo Kekana, and shot with his left foot from within Zamalek’s penalty area.

With just five minutes to the end of the first half, Langerman doubled the lead with a superb left-foot volley from 18-yards to end the first half 2-0, in favor of the Sundowns.

Zamalek’s woes escalated right after the break, as they conceded a third goal with just a minute played into the second half.

The Egyptian side was unable to withstand their opponent’s pressure, leading to an own goal scored by Zamalek’s Islam Gamal. Gamal attempted to clear off a ball crossed by the Sundowns’ Percy Tau, but instead, hit the back of his own net.

The lead gives the Sundowns more advantage as they outclassed their opponent in a match that many soccer pundits referred to as ‘clash of the titans.’ Until the final whistle, the South African ABSA Premiership champions were in control of the game and recorded a vital win on home soil.

With a 3-0 lead advantage prior to the second leg in Alexandria, Egypt, the Sundowns are the favorites to be crowned champions. However, Laffor, who scored only his third CAF Champions League goal, has refused to write off the Egyptian giants.

“The win was important, but there is still lots of work to be done,” he said. “Zamalek is a very strong side. [A] few weeks ago, they beat Moroccan giants, Wydad 4-0 in Alexandria. That alone shows they are strong at home.”

The Sundowns will have to defend their lead in the second leg in Alexandria on October 23 if they are to be crowned champions of Africa.

Photo courtesy of Mamelodi Sundowns