The hero of the night was goalkeeper Youssef El Motie, who saved two penalties as defending champions Wydad Athletic Club defeated Tanzania’s Simba SC 4-3 on post-match penalties to advance to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
The game was decided from the penalty spot after Wydad won the return fixture 1-0 in Casablanca, bringing the aggregate score to 1-1.
El Motie, who replaced the injured Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, proved himself by saving Shomari Kapombe and Clatous Chama’s penalties.
Wekundu wa Msimbazi’s Erasto Nyoni, Saidi Ntibazonkiza, and Moses Phiri scored, while Wydad expertly converted all four of their spot kicks.
Bouly Sambou’s seventh goal of the campaign took the game to penalties, but Simba’s defensive shape in the second half prevented Wydad from creating much danger.
Wydad will face the winner between Mamelodi Sundowns and CR Belouizdad in the semi-finals.