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Mamelodi Sundowns aim for a historic win against Wydad Casablanca in the AFL finals seeking continental glory.
Mamelodi Sundowns face Wydad Athletic Club in the finals of the inaugural African Football League (AFL) on Sunday, 12 November at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The stakes could not be higher as these two football giants battle it out for the coveted title and a staggering $4 million cash prize.
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09:30 - 12.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Johnstone Omurwa dealt heartache as Estrela Amaradora are sank late by Moreinese
The Harambee Stars defender had a solid individual display but could not do much to prevent his side losing their second game in a row late in the game ahead of the international break.
Wydad arrives in South Africa with a slim 2-1 advantage from the first leg, setting the stage for a gripping encounter.
To secure the first-ever AFL title, Wydad aims to avoid defeat away from home while Mamelodi Sundowns playing on their home turf, are determined to emerge victorious and clinch their first continental title under the leadership of coach Rulani Mokwena.
"We tried to win away from home but I thought we were unlucky. The players gave everything in the first leg, and we will try to write history in the second leg," said Mokwena as per AFL website.
"The last three seasons we have been knocked out of the Champions League by Al Ahly, Petro, and Wydad. For the AFL, the stars are aligned, but you still have to make the stars align. We are playing at home, we are ready to make the best out of it."
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09:20 - 12.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Joseph Okumu's valiant effort falls short against Kylian Mbappe's Paris Saint-Germain
Okumu's valiant effort could not thwart Kylian Mbappe's brilliance as PSG triumphed 3-0 against Reims in a Ligue 1 clash.
For Mamelodi Sundowns they need to win the match by a margin of more than two goals or, at the very least, secure a 1-0 victory to win on the away goals rule
On the other hand, Wydad simply needs to avoid defeat to clinch the title. Coach Adil Ramzi expressed his team's readiness and determination to deliver a flawless performance.
"This is a significant game and everyone wants to win it. We won in Casablanca, but it's still 50-50. We are facing a strong team, but we are ready. For me, this is the chance of a first major title as a coach, and we share the same dreams with everyone, to win it. We will give our best to win," added the tactician.
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08:20 - 12.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Kenyan midfielder dealt title blow as Monaco are held by spirited Le Havre
The result for Monaco now means that they are third on 24 points, three behind leaders PSG who obliterated Joseph Okumu’s Reims earlier in the day.
However, Wydad will face a significant challenge as they will be without their skipper, Yahya Jebrane, who is sidelined due to accumulated yellow cards.
Jebrane's absence will undoubtedly be felt, as he has been a crucial part of the team throughout the tournament.
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08:50 - 12.11.2023
FOOTBALL AFC Leopards coach insists charges will need more time to adapt to his methods following Posta draw
AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha has warned fans against expecting instant results as he feels his side will need time after experiencing many changes before and during this season
Coach Ramzi acknowledged the impact of this absence but remained confident in his remaining squad members. "
His absence is impactful, but I trust the team as a whole. Such matches give players huge motivation, and I know they will step up and give a good match for us to win the title," he noted.
One player who could play a crucial role in the finals is Kenyan defender Brian Mandela.
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10:15 - 12.11.2023
FKFPL Murang’a Seal boss Gabriel Njoroge: It is not news that Gor Mahia fans always cause chaos
The Murang’a Seal coach has described Gor Mahia as a “yesteryear club” whose fans behaved in a very inappropriate manner by attacking his “young” charges.
Surprisingly omitted from the Harambee Stars' squad ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles, Mandela will be expected to feature prominently for Wydad.
His presence could prove pivotal in shoring up Wydad's defense and thwarting Mamelodi Sundowns' attacking threats.
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