REMO Stars were handed a brutal reality check today in Abeokuta as they were humbled 5-1 by experienced campaigners Mamelodi Sundowns in a CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg clash.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) were no match for the favourites from South Africa, who put up a dominant performance despite playing away from home.
Tashreeq Matthews, Peter Shalulile, Miguel Reisinho, Arthur Sales and Katlego Ntsabeleng struck for the 2016 African champions to silence the MKO Abiola Stadium crowd, with Samson Olasupo pulling one back for the humiliated hosts.
Sundowns, who were runners-up in the CAF Champions League last season, were 2-0 up by half-time in Abeokuta.
Matthews began the rout in the 12th minute with a brilliant strike from outside the Remo Stars box, and Shalulile doubled the lead four minutes before the break after skipping past a defender and firing home.
Reisinho tapped in the third goal just past the hour mark as a befuddled Remo Stars side struggled to cope with the South Africans.
Sales made it 4-0 with 16 minutes left on the clock, but Olasupo gave Remo Stars some respite two minutes later.
Sundowns did not let up though, as they restored their four-goal lead six minutes from time.
The other NPFL club in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United, also lost their first leg clash, but they still have hope after going down 1-0 to Black Bulls in Matola, Mozambique, on Saturday.
The return legs are scheduled for next week, with the winners proceeding to the group phase.