)
Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca both displayed incredible resilience in their respective semi-finals to secure their places in the $4M African Football League (AFL) final, setting the stage for an enthralling showdown.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca both displayed incredible resilience in their respective semi-finals to secure their places in the $4M African Football League (AFL) final, setting the stage for an enthralling showdown.
Mamelodi Sundowns held firm against Al Ahly in Cairo, securing a 1-0 aggregate victory that propelled them into the final.
In a tense encounter, Al Ahly piled on the pressure early on, with Percy Tau even winning a penalty that was saved by Sundowns' Ronwen Williams.
Despite an offside flag moments later denying Tau a goal, Williams continued to make crucial saves, keeping Al Ahly at bay.
Sundowns' defense proved brilliant, and they relied on game management to secure their first continental final since 2016. The pivotal first leg in South Africa ultimately made the difference as they advanced on a narrow 1-0 victory on aggregate.
On the other side, Wydad Casablanca faced off against Esperance in a thrilling semi-final. Locked at 1-1 on aggregate, the Moroccans displayed nerves of steel in a penalty shootout after a 1-0 extra-time win for Esperance.
Esperance dominated the second leg, but they left it late to get the winner through Rodrigues Silva who scored with just two minutes remaining levelling the tie on aggregate 1-1.
Despite relentless pressure and near misses, Wydad's defense held firm and demonstrated remarkable composure. The Moroccans prevailed 5-4 on penalties, booking their place in the AFL final.
Now, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown between Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca in the USD4M AFL final that promises to be a mouth-watering clash.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)