Mamelodi Sundowns failed to progress to CAF Champions League final on the away goals rule after drawing 2-2 with Wydad Casablanca on Saturday.
CAF Champions League
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-2 Wydad Casablanca (2-2 on aggregate)
Date: 20 May 2023
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Coach Rulani Mokwena made just one change from the goalless draw in the first leg, as Sphelele Mkhulise was given a start in place of Neo Maema, who was sent off last weekend.
Unlike the first leg, the Brazilians dominated from the onset as they went in search of an early goal while the defending champions were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure while hoping to launch on the break.
Wydad nearly caught Sundowns out on 19 minutes when a simple ball over the top sent Mohamed Ounajem through on goal, however Abdelmounaim Boutouil got back in time to make a vital block in the box.
Wydad's Youssef El Motie was finally called into action a few minutes later when Mkhulise pulled a cross back for Peter Shalulile, who saw his first-time strike parried away while the shot-stopper did well to thwart the Namibian once again in the box.
There was a big stoppage in the half after Wydad teammates Bouly Sambou and Arsene Zola were involved a nasty a clash of heads, which required both players to get bandaged up before returning to play.
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It took Sundowns only four minutes to get the breakthrough after the break as they won the ball high up, which allowed Themba Zwane to carve out some space before rifling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
With Wydad needing to chase the game, El Motie kept his side in the contest as he produced a superb one-hand save to keep out Shalulile's snap-shot in the 18-yard area.
Wydad dominated after that and they managed to silence the Loftus crowd in the 72nd minute when defender Ayoub Al Amloud sent a fine header into the bottom corner after a wonderful cross from Yahia Attiyat Allah.
Sundowns weren't behind for too long as the hosts worked the ball out wide to Thapelo Morena, who sent a cross into the box where Shalulile was on hand to sweep home for the second goal.
However, the pendulum swung once again as Wydad got back on level terms with seven minutes to play as Mothobi Mvala diverted a cross into his own net while trying to clear, sending the Moroccans to the final for a second straight season.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Mvala, Boutouil, Modiba, Mokoena, Mbule, Mkhulise, Zwane, Morena, Shalulile
Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Kekana, Mashego, Domingo, Zungu, Nasir, Sirino, Mailula
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