Mamelodi Sundowns have booked their place in the African Football League (AFL) final after edging past Al Ahly of Egypt on aggregate in a close-fought battle.
The Tshwane giants won the first leg 1-0 at home last week, and they held on for a goalless draw in the second leg on Wednesday night at the Cairo International Stadium to secure a 1-0 aggregate win.
Meanwhile in the another semi-final match played earlier on Wednesday, Moroccan giants Wydad AC beat Tunisian powerhouse Esperance 5-4 on penalties.
The two legged match had ended 1-1 on aggregate.
HOW SUNDOWNS AND AL AHLY LINED UP
Sundowns didn’t make any drastic changes to their starting line-up as coach Rulani Mokwena only made one change.
Mothobi Mvala, who received a red card against Petro Luanda in the quarter-final, second leg replaced midfield engine Teboho Mokoena.
On the other hand, the Red Devils made four changes to the team that lost against Sundowns on Sunday.
Akram Tawfik, Emam Ashour, Hussein El Shahat and Kahraba replaced Mohamed Hany, Mohamed Magdy, Reda Slim and Salah Mohsen.
ACTION PACKED FIRST HALF WITH NO GOALS
The home side were the first to threaten at goal, but Bafana Bafana skipper Ronwen Williams denied follow countryman Percy Tau as early as the fifth minute.
In the 12th minute, Williams showed his class as he saved a penalty. He had committed a foul after bringing down Tau in the box.
Grant Kekana came to the rescue 24 minutes into the game clearing a ball close to the goal line.
The two African giants went at the break deadlocked at 0-0 as either side couldn’t find the back of the net.
MORE CHANGES FOR MAMELODI SUNDOWNS IN THE SECOND HALF
In the second half, Masandawana brought in new faces to freshen the team. Bongani Zungu and Lesiba Nku came in for Mvala and Gaston Sirino respectively.
Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko and Marcelo Allende were replaced the trio of Junior Mendieta, Sphelele Mkhulise and Mosa Lebusa.
Mendieta was shown a straight red card just after 13 minutes after coming in following a dangerous challenge.
However, Sundowns managed to on for a draw with 10-man as Al Ahly threw everything at them.
Sundowns will now meet Wydad AC in the final of the AFL.
The two legged final will be played on Sunday 5 November and Saturday 11 November respectively. The AFL committee will confirm the kickoff times in due course.
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