Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have clinched a semi-final place at the inaugural edition of the Total Energies CAF Women’s Champions League after registering a goalless draw against Morocco’s ASFAR in their third and final Group B clash at the El Salam Stadium in Cairo.
The Brazilians were boosted by the welcomed return of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini who started her first game of the tournament. The Moroccans started the match on the front foot with fit-again Dlamini responding impressively and showing no signs of match rustiness. A few minutes later, strikers Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Rhoda Mulaudzi linked up nicely but failed to trouble the backline of the North Africans who were marshalled by goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Both teams continued to match each other stride for stride with both defences showcasing their determination and grit in a highly competitive spell of football. The Moroccans ended the first half dominantly with Ibtissam Jraidi setting up a wonderful opportunity for Aziza Rabbah who somehow blazed her effort over the bar from 12 yards.
The second half began almost immediately as the first with ASFAR bossing the early period, but Dlamini was on hand to thwart the attacking threats of the opposition. The Moroccan outfit then conjured up a stunning freekick routine from the training ground with Fatima Tagnaout setting up Ghizlane Chebbak who smashed the woodwork from an acute angle.
With time running out, Sundowns Ladies showed their composure on the ball as they held on to seal a historic semi-final place at the continent’s premier women’s tournament.
The Brazilians thus finished as Group B winners with a total of 7 points. The draw also meant ASFAR booked their spot in the last four after finishing second with 4 points. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Rivers Angels secured an entertaining 4-0 victory against Kenya’s Vihiga Queens at The 30 June Stadium, with both teams crashing out of the tournament.
Speaking after sealing a semi-final spot, Coach Jerry Tshabalala excitedly spoke highly of his team’s performance.
“I am very excited that we have confirmed our progression to the knock-out phase of the competition. But we know the job is not yet done because there is so much football still to be played. Like I have always said, we have to take it one step at a time and I believe we are on the right track. This is a high-level competition and I am excited that we are getting the job done. We are very happy that we are representing the Mamelodi Sundowns brand with so much confidence. It is our strong desire to reward the Yellow Nation by winning the first-ever edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League,” an excited Coach Tshabalala stated.
Up next for Sundowns Ladies is a semi-final match-up against Group A runners-up Equatorial Guinea’s Malabo Kings while ASFAR will battle it out against Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies who finished as Group A winners.
A massive Congratulations to our brilliant Ladies Team.
Congratulations Ladies this is priceless. But please Guys pull up your socks. The past to games we played we have been not convincing. But our defense have been outstanding. Our Middlefielders and Strikers have been not aggressive our passing have been very poor, we are not pressing we are not showing skills those Girls from Morocco there were all over us dribbling us. If our defense. Please Guys you are not playing like Sundowns ladies Team. Please do your best we want this Cup next game is final before final go there enjoy yourself keep to the basic and our structure and play stars are born in this kind of games scorts are waiting for you Guys this is your tickets to bigger things
Good luck ladies… Your know im your biggest fan. The matches have been tough, but keep working