Nine-man Mamelodi Sundowns held Wydad Athletic Club to a goalless draw in a CAF Champions League first-leg semi-final clash on Saturday night.
Wydad Casablanca hosted the first leg at the Stade Mohammed V but could not capitalise on the extra men and home advantage.
Sundowns had Neo Maema, and Marcelo Allende sent off on either half of the game. First, it was Maema in the 43rd minute before substitute Allende got marching orders late in the second half.
In both incidents, the referee had to do a VAR check.
But, in the opening stages of the first half, both teams looked dangerous. They both employed the high press. Nonetheless, the DStv Premiership champions Sundowns had a slight edge in terms of possession.
For a moment, Sundowns thought they had opened the scoresheet. But Namibian marksman Peter Shalulile had his goal disallowed for offside after a VAR check.
SUNDOWNS HOLD WYDAD
Despite being short of one man, Sundowns held their own in the second half, restricting the Moroccans to their own half.
For moments, Sundowns didn’t look like they were a man short as they matched their opponents.
In the 64th minute, Wydad had their best chance – a one-on-one chance after Mothobi Mvala’s blunder. Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain, Ronwen Williams, was on hand to stop it.
SACRIFICED THEMBA ZWANE
The Red Castle are the defending African champions and have made the final four of the competition for eight successive seasons.
Going into the clash, they had just parted ways with coach Juan Carlos Garrido last week.
The Spanish tactician was replaced by Belgian Sven Vandenbroeck, who has previously worked with Zambia, Simba and Moroccan outfit AS FAR.
Sundowns will host the Moroccan giants in Pretoria next Saturday. The tie will decide who proceeds to the final of the CAF Champions League.
RELATED STORY: Mosimane says Saudi Arabia’s first division can match Sundowns salaries
