Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first defeat in the African Football League following their 2-1 loss to Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of the continental final.
Downs lost and had an uphill battle in the second leg of the competition the following week. This was Downs’ first time conceding in the new competition.
The Brazilians had to withstand early bursts of pressure as the home team dominated possession in a cagey opening to the match.
Wydad’s Montasser Lahtimi had the first opportunity of the game when he broke free and charged into the penalty area, only to have Rivaldo Coetzee bravely block his shot. Shortly after, goalie Ronwen Williams had to come into action, saving the attempt on a free kick with ease.
When Lesiba Nku found space ahead of him and drove towards the Wydad goal, Masandawana had to wait nearly forty minutes for their first clear opportunity at goal; however, the quick winger could only find the side netting.
A few minutes into the second half, Montasser Lahtimi ducked his way into the box and played a low cross that was deflected into his own net by Rivaldo Coetzee, giving the hosts the lead.
Both teams increased the ante in the second half after the away team made two substitutions at halftime, sending Mosa Lebusa and Lebohang Maboe into the game to ignite a comeback.
Teboho Mokoena came the closest, setting up one of his signature long-range free kicks and forcing Wydad keeper Youssef El Motie to save over the bar.
Ka Bo Yellow persisted in exerting pressure, and eventually, they were given a penalty when a VAR review determined that Yahya Jabrane’s arm had been in the box to block Mokoena’s shot. Abdelmounaim Boutouil, a Moroccan defender, took his spot and scored a point to tie the score against Masandawana.
When both teams were going for the win and the intensity was at its peak, Anas Serhatt’s powerful strike found the back of the net for the hosts once more.
In an attempt to help Downs win another, Gaston Sirino, Neo Maema, and Bongani Zungu all entered the game, but the Casablanca team remained determined to hold onto their lead in the closing minutes.
Next weekend in Pretoria, the Brazilians will have their work cut out for them as they attempt to overcome the deficit and win the inaugural African Football League trophy.
The next step is a trip back to South Africa to prepare for the eagerly anticipated league return, where Bafana Ba Style will take on AmaZulu.
Photo by Nour Aknajja/BackpagePix
