Goals from Khuliso Mudau, Brayan Leon and Iqraam Rayners handed Sundowns a commanding lead in the tie ahead of the second leg in Bamako next Sunday, though they were also denied what looked like a clear penalty.
Sundowns took the lead on 34 minutes after labouring a little to that point.
A superb pass from Arthur Sales was perfectly weighted for Mudau to collect and score.
The goal was initially ruled offside by the assistant referee, but it was a tight call and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) awarded the goal.
It was a superb run by Mudau and a composed finish, even though the keeper got a hand to it.
It was 2-0 on 55 minutes as Leon provided another superb finish.
Nuno Santos played the ball towards the six-yard box and Leon took a touch before finishing from close range. It is now seven goals in seven starts for Sundowns for the Colombian.
Sundowns thought they should have had a penalty shortly afterwards, and they had a good case.
Tashreeq Matthews was hauled to the floor as he broke into the box, with the defender wrapping an arm around his neck.
It looked a strong case and VAR invited referee Pierre Atcho of Gabon to the pitch-side monitor, but to the surprise of most, he decided it was not a foul. It would be interesting to hear his reasoning.
Sundowns had the ball in the back of the net again when Rayners expertly steered in Santos’ cross, and again the flag went up for offside.
Once again, VAR ruled that he was onside and the goal stood, on what was a poor night for the on-field officials, who got all the big decisions wrong.
Rayners now has five goals in his last four games as he is back with a bang and knocking on the door for a place in Hugo Broos’ 2026 World Cup squad.
