Mamelodi Sundowns Make History After Al Ahly Victory
Thapelo Morena scored four minutes after coming on as South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns stunned holders Al Ahly with a 1-0 defeat in Group A of their CAF Champions League encounter at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt.
The match started with both sides creating numerous chances to break the deadlock.The Red Devils had a chance after 18 minutes but Hamdi Fathi’s header off an Ali Maaloul cross was blocked by Brian Mandela.
Aliou Dieng had two chances with long range shots, but both went over. Ali Maaloul also had a well struck freekick saved by goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
In the second half, the same tempo was maintained and Sundowns came very close in the 52nd minute but Lyle Lakay’s curling effort came off the crossbar.
Lakay had another chance five minutes later with a venomous drive from the left, but the effort was pushed away at full flight by Elshenawy.
Ahly had been piling the pressure in the final quarter of the match to try get a goal, but their efforts were needled off by Morena’s late goal.
Morena had just come on for Themba Zwane in the 81st minute and just four minutes into the pitch, he struck an unstoppable shot that handed Sundowns victory over their former coach Pitso Mosimane.
It was the first time in six attempts that the South African side were not just winning, but scoring a goal against the Egyptian giants.
It is Sundowns’ first ever victory visiting Red Devils and their second in their 11-match head to head.
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The South African giants @Masandawana are going back home with the three points after a late winner vs. the title-holders @AlAhly! #TotalEnergiesCAFCL | #ASCMSFC | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/15B9eg0tac
— TotalEnergies CAFCL – TotalEnergies CAFCC (@CAFCLCC) February 26, 2022
Both sides had a cautious approach early on but Ahly soon took control, dominated possession and had several chances. After the break, Tau also had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside.
Mamelodi Sundowns now lead Group A with seven points after three games, while Ahly are third with one point after two games and they still have a match in hand against Sudan’s Al-Merreikh.
The #TotalEnergiesCAFCL matchday 3 was full of entertainment!
Here are the results of the round. pic.twitter.com/rk6sA44OoG
— TotalEnergies CAFCL – TotalEnergies CAFCC (@CAFCLCC) February 26, 2022
Chidi Nwoke/CAF.
