FootyDream

Wydad Casablanca secured their place in the final of the CAF Champions League by advancing on the away goals rule against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The second-leg match ended in a 2-2 draw, resulting in a 2-2 aggregate score, but Wydad’s away goals gave them the opportunity to defend their African crown in the upcoming final.

Mamelodi Sundowns started the game with an attacking mindset and had their first notable chance in the 14th minute, but Wydad’s goalkeeper Youssef El Motie made a comfortable save. Wydad, dangerous on the counter, created threats of their own, with Mohammed Ounajem coming close to scoring if not for a last-minute challenge from Abdelmounaim Boutouil.

Sundowns continued to push forward and nearly took the lead when Peter Shalulile’s low shot was saved brilliantly by El Motie. Shalulile had another opportunity moments later but was denied by the goalkeeper. Wydad, sensing the pressure, opted to defend deeper and withstand Sundowns’ attacking onslaught.

Teboho Mokoena had a chance to break the deadlock with a free kick in the 38th minute, but his effort went over the crossbar. Sundowns relied on their goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, to make crucial saves from set pieces, and the first half ended without a goal.

Sundowns started the second half strongly and were rewarded with a goal in the 50th minute. Themba Zwane capitalized on a loose ball near the edge of the penalty area and curled a shot beyond El Motie’s reach, giving Sundowns a 1-0 lead.

The hosts came close to doubling their advantage through Shalulile’s impressive shot, but El Motie made another excellent save to keep Wydad in the game. Wydad showed their threat on the counterattack, with Bouly Sambou and Zouheri El Moutaraji creating notable chances. In the 72nd minute, Ayoub El Amloud equalized for Wydad with a header from Yahya Jabrane’s pinpoint cross.

Sundowns remained composed and continued to build attacking pressure, resulting in their second goal in the 79th minute. Shalulile swept home a low cross from Thapelo Morena, taking the score to 2-1 in favor of Sundowns.

However, Wydad struck back once again from a set piece. Mothobi Mvala unintentionally headed the ball into his own net from Yahia Attiyat Allah’s free kick, making it 2-2 in the 83rd minute.

That own goal proved to be the decisive moment of the tie. Wydad managed to hold on for the remainder of the match, securing their place in the final. They will now face Al Ahly in a two-legged final scheduled for June 4 and 11.

From the early stages, Al Ahly displayed their dominance by controlling possession and creating chances. Percy Tau and Kahraba combined well in the attack, coming close to scoring with a lobbed effort that hit the crossbar, although it was ruled offside. Undeterred, Al Ahly continued to press forward.

In the 21st minute, Al Ahly broke the deadlock as Tau delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to El Shahat, who calmly lifted it over the onrushing goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

Throughout the first half, Al Ahly maintained their control over the game, limiting Esperance’s scoring opportunities and dictating the tempo with their possession-based play.

The second half started much like the first, with Al Ahly on the offensive. Despite holding a comfortable aggregate lead, they remained determined to find a second goal. Esperance struggled to break through Al Ahly’s defensive lines, and the Egyptian side continued to dominate the match.

As the game entered its closing stages, Al Ahly shifted their focus to game management while still maintaining an attacking threat. Esperance had no answers to Al Ahly’s swift and incisive attacks, resulting in a 1-0 victory for the home side.

With their convincing aggregate win, Al Ahly secured their place in the CAF Champions League final, showcasing their strength and skill on home soil.