Mamelodi Sundowns have advanced to the final round of the CAF Champions League following their 1-1 draw in the second leg tie of the semifinals against Al Ahly on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium. It is the away goal that has helped them book the first spot in the final.
Downs pulled the first threat through Tashreeq Matthews, who had received the ball from Lucas Ribeiro’s cross. Set up nicely, Matthews’s attempt at goal rolled a few inches away from the target.
The hosts looked to make a strong statement through a free-kick awarded to them. The visitors made a good escape due to the mix of bodies in the area, causing the ball to be kicked over the bar. Al Ahly, however, managed to break the deadlock in the 24th minute. Beating the defence with a good run on the right flank, the hosts fired a shot to the near post, which went past Ronwen Williams.
Matthews came close to scoring again after being set up beautifully by Ribeiro but the ball was snatched off his feet in front of goal. To conclude the opening half, a speedy Thapelo Morena also had an opportunity to find the back of the net from the right flank but the defence matched his pace to clear the ball away. Masandawanawent to the break trailing.
The second stanza saw a dominant Bafana Ba Style who created plenty of chances and threatened the defence. Ribeiro rattled the defence with his two big chances. The first shot was punched away by the keeper, and the other, despite being in control, went over the bar.
Captain Themba Zwane, who was introduced in the 65th minute, came very close to finding the goal that would have levelled matters, after Ribeiro delivered the ball to him in front of goal. Zwane’s first touch was, however, heavy and saw the goalkeeper reach it before he could.
Even though they were defending in numbers, the Egyptian side was still looking to score more goals and tested the waters a few times. A steady Khuliso Mudau took cover and denied them a goal.
Awarded a free-kick from a tight angle, Teboho Mokoena delivered a shot inside the box which Arthur Sales tried to head in, but the defence were quick with their thinking as they cleared the ball out of danger.
Mokoena again, in the final stages of the match, tested the keeper with his long-range effort but was smacked away. A goal was scored before the regulation time came to an end. It came from the feet of the Al Ahly defence to go past the keeper and levelling matters.
With seven minutes added, Masandawana held on to the draw, which saw them reach the final round of the competition for the third time ever.
How we lined up: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Morena, Ribeiro, Matthews.
Subs: Onyango, Suarez, Lunga, Aubaas, Mkhulise, Zwane, Sales, Shalulile, Rayners.
Football can be so cruel sometimes. The best team in this season’s Champions League bows out and we still have a chance to win it. I don’t know what to say anymore about our style of play, it’s an eyesore to watch our team these days, but we still go through and congratulations to the boyz. I watched Orlando Pirates’ game with pride and envy, watching their cocomelons fighting for their team to the end, and I was left with so many questions when comparing them to our team. History will tell us Kaizer Chiefs once reached the final of the Champions League, but how they got there, only God knows. Congratulations to the team, but I remain unmoved on the team’s style of play and the direction it’s taking
We created our own luck, can’t force opponents to commit mistakes when we consistently playing on our own half.In the 2nd half we showed we wanted it more.Judging by the first line up it showed lots of thinking was done,for that I sa bravo. We are a team with abundance of quality we shouldn’t play with fear and play according to our strength.God helps those who help themselves, we’re denied a legitimate penalty.
I think the tactic to play Ribeiro as a false 9 was spot on,he was problematic to the Ahly defence,he just needed Adams and Matthews to come to the party( unfortunately they did not),bt u could c when Zwane came in that their combination was abt to bring us something positive and I was a little disappointed when he was substituted……and to those who r saying we r playing ugly football ⚽,hay let’s just agree to disagree cos we dominated from the 1st Min until the 98th min
congrats boys for reaching the final,two seasons ago we played good football but we didn’t reach the final. look now were not convincing but we are in the final
When are the boys coming back, we need to welcome them at airpot
That’s what the doctor ordered yesterday smash&grab in the Champions league,u jst need character.Once the ball kisses the back of the net whether u were on the back foot doesn’t matter.What matters most is the result.Bt 2 speak the truth an improved performance by Sundowns less mistakes in front of the 18 area.We had better shots on target away from home.Very disappointed by referee 4 lacking a backbone regarding the penalty review.Hard luck 2 Pirates,next time fellow brothers I wanted 2 c both teams competing 4 the star&it wasn’t 2 b.On the final I so wish our team not 2 look down on Pyramids in the finals we still have 2 win the game at home&if possible score some goals in Egypt b4 we crown ourselves as kings of Africa.I want 2 c Zwane starting the game bt it seems as if Cardoso is very much of uncertain or still having trust issues.Kaboyelo I remain