Playing in front of their home fans at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the Sky Blue Stars started with a flicker of promise but were ultimately overwhelmed by the experience, organisation, and clinical finishing of the South African powerhouse.
The victory not only gives Sundowns a near-insurmountable lead in the tie ahead of the return leg but also breaks a long-standing jinx of South African clubs struggling to secure a win on Nigerian soil in the competition.
Goal Blitz Seals the Tie
Sundowns, last season's runners-up, wasted little time in asserting their dominance, fielding an attacking lineup that included new signings Miguel Reisinho and Nuno Santos alongside prolific striker Peter Shalulile.
The visitors' goals came from five different players in a ruthless display:
• Tashreeq Matthews (12'): Broke the deadlock early, firing a superb strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.
• Peter Shalulile (43'): Doubled the lead just before halftime, calmly slotting home after latching onto a through pass.
• Miguel Reisinho (50'): Extended the lead early in the second half, tapping in a cross after a strong run down the flank by Khuliso Mudau.
• Arthur Sales (75'): Added a fourth with a crisp volley from outside the box.
• Katlego Ntsabeleng (86'): Completed the rout late on, connecting with a pass to slot home the fifth.
Remo Stars did manage to find a small measure of consolation in the final stages of the game when striker Samson Olasupo (77') scored after a quick exchange in the box, denying Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams a clean sheet.
Uphill Battle Ahead
Despite the unwavering support of the home crowd, Remo Stars' defence struggled to contain Sundowns' fast-paced movement and passing. The heavy defeat serves as a stark reality check for the Nigerian champions in their biggest continental test so far.
The result leaves the Sky Blue Stars with an almost impossible mission for the second leg in Pretoria next weekend. To overturn the deficit and qualify for the lucrative group stage, Remo Stars must now defeat Mamelodi Sundowns by at least four clear goals.
Mamelodi Sundowns will return to South Africa full of confidence, with the commanding 5-1 lead effectively booking their spot in the next stage of the competition.