Wydad Casablanca secured their place in the CAF Champions League final after a 2-2 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
With the tie ending 2-2 on aggregate, Wydad advanced on away goals, setting up an opportunity to defend their African crown in the final next month.
Mamelodi Sundowns started strongly and had an early chance in the 14th minute, but Wydad goalkeeper Youssef El Motie made a comfortable save. Wydad, dangerous on the counter, threatened on several occasions but were denied by the Sundowns defense and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
In the 50th minute, Sundowns took the lead when Themba Zwane scored a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area. They came close to doubling their advantage, but El Motie made another impressive save to keep Wydad in the contest.
Wydad showed their attacking threat and had opportunities through Bouly Sambou and Zouheri El Moutaraji. In the 72nd minute, Ayoub El Amloud equalized for Wydad with a well-timed header from Yahya Jabrane’s cross. However, Sundowns responded quickly, as Peter Shalulile found the back of the net in the 79th minute to give his team a 2-1 lead.
The match took another twist as Wydad capitalized on their set-piece prowess. In the 83rd minute, Mothobi Mvala inadvertently headed the ball into his own net from Yahia Attiyat Allah’s free kick, making it 2-2 on the day.
Despite Sundowns’ efforts to find a winning goal, Wydad held on to secure their place in the final. They will now face Al Ahly in a two-legged final scheduled for June 4 and 11.
