Mamelodi Sundowns crashed out of the Caf Champions League on the away goal rule following a 2-2 draw against holders Wydad Athletic Club in their second leg semi-final at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Captain Themba Zwane and then Peter Shalulile put the home team ahead in the second leg of the semi-final in front of 45,000 spectators in Pretoria.
However, Ayoub el Amloud nullified Sundowns’ first goal, and an own goal by Mothobi Mvala levelled the score once more, giving Wydad a decisive aggregate advantage through away goals after the first leg ended scoreless.
Friday’s 1-0 victory over Esperance of Tunisia in Cairo capped a 4-0 aggregate victory for record 10-time champions Ahly.
Ahly will host the first leg on June 4 and the second leg on June 11. Ahly will make a record-breaking 16th final appearance in the premier African club competition.
In a controversially staged match in Casablanca, Zouhair el Moutaraji scored twice to give Wydad a 2-0 victory over Ahly in the 2022 championship match.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) denied Ahly’s request for the final to be played at a neutral location. The drama led to the reinstatement of two-leg finals.
The recently-hired Belgian Sven Vandenbroeck, the fourth coach of Wydad this season, stated that his players’ experience helped them in their pursuit of a fourth Champions League championship.
“Sundowns were probably the better team over the two legs, but our greater experience and mental strength told,” he said.
“Wydad against Ahly is going to be a beautiful final and I am hoping for the same outcome as last season.
“There is little to choose between two great teams, but I think playing at home in the second leg may give us a slight advantage.”
Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena agreed with Vandenbroeck, saying: “The experience of Wydad was crucial — they were smarter in some big moments.
“I am bitterly disappointed, but the compliments I received from the Wydad coach have eased the pain a little.
“You cannot buy experience — you have to learn from sad occasions like this. I cannot say when, but Sundowns will win the Champions League.”
In the first half, Shalulile and Mohamed Ounajem had the best opportunities at a stadium shared by Sundowns and the Bulls rugby team. However, the game exploded after 50 minutes.
Zwane capitalised on a Wydad turnover in their own half to score past custodian Youssef el Motie, who stood motionless as the ball entered the net.
Shalulile regained the lead for Sundowns via a deflected shot seven minutes after El Amloud levelled the score with a header off a Yahya Jabrane cross in the 72nd minute.
Mvala, in an attempt to clear a free kick, scored an own goal with seven minutes remaining in regulation.
Photo by Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
