PRETORIA, South Africa
Wydad Athletic Club remained on course to defend their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title, after progressing to the final on the away goal rule following a 2-2 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria.
Wydad will now face off with record champions Al Ahly, in a repeat of last year’s final. Sundowns’ dream of their second continental title went up in smoke, as they couldn’t break down a resilient Wydad side.
Mothobi Mvala scored in his own net in the 83rd minute as he tried to cut off a freekick, an own goal that would prove vital for the Moroccan visitors.
After a goalless first half where Sundowns piled pressure in search of an early goal to calm their nerves, the game burst into life in the second period.
Just four minutes after the restart, skipper Themba Zwane broke the deadlock when he capitalized on an error at the back to slot home.
However, the Moroccans gave a fight and they drew level in the 72nd minute when Ayoub El Amloud put the ball in the net, finishing off a pass from Yahya Jebrane.
With a scoring draw, Sundowns knew that their chances would be slim and they now pushed hard for the second goal.
They were rewarded just seven minutes in when their star striker Peter Shalulile slotted home to give them a 2-1 lead. But that joy lasted only for a few minutes, before Wydad went back on level terms.
Despite pressure in the final minutes of the game to try get a winner, Sundowns’ hopes were dashed as the Moroccans defended with everything.
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