Mamelodi Sundowns have advanced to the final of the CAF Champions League after snatching a last-minute goal to break the hearts of Al Ahly in front of a fully packed Cairo International Stadium on Friday night. Thanks to a 90th-minute own goal from Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, allowing Sundowns to secure their place in the final for the first time since they won the competition in 2016.
The Brazilians will now wait to see who their opponent will be between Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC, who are set to face off at the 30 June Stadium. The home side controlled large parts of the first half and found the back of the net in the 25th minute through Taher Mohamed, who scored a stunning goal from the edge of the box to beat Sundowns' goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the near post after catching Sundowns on a counter.
Despite going behind, Sundowns came out with renewed vigor after the halftime break and began to cause problems for the Ahly defense. Referee Dahane Beida made a significant call when Sundowns made a penalty appeal after Lucas Ribeiro was brought down inside the box. However, the Mauritanian whistleman went over to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) screen and decided not to award the visitors a spot kick.
In response, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso introduced fresh legs, with captain Themba Zwane, Peter Shalulile, and Iqraam Rayners all thrown in to try and salvage something for the Brazilians. Zwane nearly made an instant impact when he made a good run inside the box after being set up with an exquisite pass by Ribeiro, but his first touch let him down, and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made a comfortable save.
As time ticked away, Cardoso threw all his attacking options on the pitch, and it all paid off in the 90th minute when Ibrahim's own goal was enough for Sundowns to advance to the final of the elusive continental competition on the away goals rule. This win marks Sundowns' third final appearance in their history, with their last triumph in 2016 still fresh in the minds of their supporters.
In the first leg at Loftus Versfeld last week, the teams played to a goalless draw, which set the stage for a tense return leg in Cairo. The atmosphere was electric, with approximately 70,000 supporters in attendance, cheering on the home side, who were looking to capitalize on their home advantage.
Al Ahly's Taher Mohamed opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, latching onto a pass from Emam Ashour and sending a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving Williams with no chance due to the sheer pace of the shot. The defending champions, buoyed by their passionate fans, looked to double their lead shortly after, but a powerful effort from Ashour was met with a strong save by Williams.
Sundowns struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with only a few half-chances to show for their efforts. Tashreeq Matthews had a chance early on but dragged his effort wide. Al Ahly continued to press and nearly added a second goal ten minutes later, but Williams was equal to the task, denying Ashour again with a crucial save.
As the second half unfolded, Sundowns came out firing, with Lucas Ribeiro looking to spark a comeback. The Brazilian forward caused a few problems for the Ahly defense, but time was running out. A crucial moment came in the 60th minute when Ribeiro went down in the area, prompting a VAR review. However, the referee stood by his original decision of not awarding a penalty, leaving Sundowns frustrated.
With just minutes remaining, Sundowns were on the brink of elimination when Iqraam Rayners made a crucial play, forcing Yasser Ibrahim to deflect a shot into his own net, leveling the match at 1-1. The goal sent the Sundowns fans into a frenzy as it secured their advancement to the final on the away goals rule.
In the dying minutes of the match, Al Ahly pushed for a late winner, but Sundowns held firm, managing to see off the pressure and secure their place in the final. The match showcased the resilience and determination of Sundowns, proving that they could compete with the best in Africa.
This victory is a significant achievement for Sundowns, as they look to add another star to their club's history. Their last appearance in the CAF Champions League final was in 2016, when they lifted the trophy for the first time. The club has since established itself as one of the powerhouses in African football, and this latest success is a testament to their growth and ambition.
Looking ahead, the final will be a crucial moment for Sundowns, who will be eager to reclaim their place at the top of African football. With a squad brimming with talent and experience, they are well-equipped to face any opponent that comes their way.
The stage is set for an exciting final, and the anticipation is palpable among fans and players alike. As Sundowns prepare for their next challenge, they do so with the confidence that they can rise to the occasion and make history once again.
