Mamelodi Sundowns made a winning start to their CAF Women’s Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over tournament debutants JKT Queens on Sunday.
Second-half goals from Lebogang Ramalepe and Refilwe Tholakele earned the South African giants an opening Group A win at Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly. Sundowns quickly asserted their authority and experience against first-timers JKT as Ramalepe fired them ahead on 41 minutes.
The Queens contained further damage before the break but the Pretoria club never lost control of an absorbing contest. Tholakele then wrapped up a vital three points by clinically beating goalkeeper Najat Abass Idrissa on 75 minutes. “We are delighted with our performance and to start with a win which boosts confidence,” player of the match Ramalepe said.
The result makes it three wins from three CAF meetings between Sundowns and East African opponents after previous successes over Kenya’s Vihiga Queens and TP Mazembe of DR Congo. The Queens face an even tougher test next against Athletico Abidjan as they aim to quickly bounce back on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Sundowns turn their focus to topping the group when they take on Sporting Club de Casablanca next.