Mamelodi Sundowns survived a tense night in Bamako, advancing to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League semi-finals despite a 2-0 defeat to Stade Malien.
The South Africans progressed 3-2 on aggregate, their first-leg cushion proving decisive.
Stade Malien struck early through Taddeus Nkeng and doubled the lead before half-time via Haman Mandjan, putting Sundowns under severe pressure.
VAR denied both sides crucial goals, while Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners came close for the visitors.
Reduced to ten men after Aubrey Modiba’s red card, Sundowns held firm as Ronwen Williams produced key saves to repel a late Malian surge.
Despite the setback, Sundowns sealed a fourth straight semi-final berth, underlining their resilience and consistency among Africa’s elite.
