Sundowns Stun Al Ahly To Book CAFCL Final Spot

Mamelodi Sundowns pulled off a huge upset as they eliminated reigning champions Al Ahly from the CAF Champions League with a last-gasp crucial away goal, courtesy of an own goal from Yasser Ibrahim at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.

The tie ended in a 1-1 draw on aggregate after the two teams played to a goalless draw in the first leg.

The Brazilians will face the winners of the other semi-final between Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC in the deciding two-legged final next month.

In a game that started in a fairly slow manner, it was the visitors who threatened to draw first blood as Lucas Ribeiro Costa found Tashreeq Matthews with a delightful ball in the 5th minute, but the winger’s low drilled shot was wide of target.

The host team gradually grew into the game and created a goal-scoring opportunity from Emam Ashour’s free kick that found Nejc Gradisar, who couldn’t control the ball to hit the target in the 22nd minute.

Two minutes later, Al Ahly’s star man Ashour continued to pull the strings, assisting Taher Mohamed, who unleashed a first-time strike for a cracking opening goal, beating Ronwen Williams on his near post.

The Downs shot-stopper stood tall as he was called into action on his near post once again, this time from Ashour after he received a through ball from Mohamed Hany in the 33rd minute with the experienced goalie equal to the task.

On the other end, Thapelo had an opportunity to showcase his burst of pace in a bid to steer Masandawana into an equalizing goal but was stopped in his tracks by the Red Devils defender Ibrahim Yasser for a corner kick that was dealt with.

With Marcell Koller’s team putting pressure, Mosa Lebusa’s clearance fell to Moustafa Youssef, who fired a tame shot towards Williams. Lebusa was caught again in a space of few moments in an uncharacteristic manner, however Gradisar’s shot didn’t bother Williams for a 1-0 lead at half time.

In the second half, Ribeiro looked to inspire Miguel Cardoso’s side with a shot from outside the box in the 50th minute after a quick passing play, with Mohamed El Shenawy gratefully clutching the strike that lacked power behind it.

From a Ribeiro corner kick, Morena’s glancing header went agonizingly close, flashing across the face of the goal. Immediately, Koller withdrew Gradisar, who was struggling with an injury, for Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali in the hour mark.

The South African champions thought they had a lifeline when the VAR officials summoned the referee to the monitor to check a possible penalty after Ribeiro was presumed to have been fouled – but the Mauritanian referee stuck to his on-field decision and didn’t award a penalty.

Themba Zwane, who replaced Jayden Adams in the 65th minute, linked up with Ribeiro, with his heavy first touch letting him down as the Al Ahly goal minder rushed to collect the ball. Cardoso introduced Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners for Ribeiro and Matthews for the remaining 15 minutes.

The Tshwane giants got a massive slight of luck as Rabia unintentionally scored an own goal at the death to give the visiting team a lifeline. Cardoso guided Sundowns to their first Champions League final since their triumph in 2016.