Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic took a huge step in their quest to win the maiden edition of the African Super League by beating Mamelodi Sundowns by 2-1 in the first leg of the African Football League finals.
An own goal unfortunately scored by Rivaldo Coetzee in the 41st minute put the Moroccans ahead. 25-year-old Moroccan centre-back Abdelmounaim Boutouil equalised via a penalty kick in the 73rd minute.
A powerful shot which Ronwen Williams couldn’t deal with from Anas Serrhat in the 78th minute handed the Moroccan side a deserved win against the South African giants. 2-1 is a good scoreline for both teams as Wydad will target a draw in South Africa to lift the trophy whereas any win without conceding a goal will be enough for the Masandawana as an away goal is used in the competition.
Adil Ramzi’s boys looked very impressive in the first half as they had 56% possession with 2 goal attempts and only one shot on target. Sundowns on the other hand didn’t have a single shot on target in the first half. The second half saw both teams creating enough chances with Sundowns enjoying 57% of possession and having 6 goal attempts with 2 shots on target.
Rulani Mokwena’s side suffered their first defeat of the season in all competitions and their first in 6 games against Wydad Athletic at the fully charged Stade Mohammed V Stadium.
The return leg is on 12th November in South Africa which promises to be a tight affair.
