Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned the first African Football League champions after defeating Wydad Casablanca 2-0 in the second leg of the final.
African Football League Final
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Wydad Casablanca (3-2 on aggregate)
Date: 12 November 2023
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
The Brazilians were boosted by the return from injuries of Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro, who were part of the four changes, including Mosa Lebusa and Mothobi Mvala, from the 2-1 loss in the first-leg in Casablanca.
Rulani Mokwena's charges were not allowed to build their passing rhythm in the early stages, as Wydad made a number of fouls that disrupted momentum for Sundowns.
The hosts started to get going after 25 minutes but they could not progress in the last third, with Shalulile and Ribeiro not given time and space on the ball.
However, Sundowns' persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time after Shalulile finished off a rebound from the save of goalkeeper Youssef El Motie, who parried Teboho Mokoena's shot.
However, the visitors' sloppiness at the back was punished five minutes later after Aubrey Modiba intercepted a cross-field pass, went through on goal and doubled the lead for Masandawana on the day.
Mokwena made a tactical change on 66 minutes as he brought on Bongani Zungu in place of Ribeiro to crowd the midfield.
The Brazilians controlled the game with prolonged spells of possession but Wydad remained dangerous as nine minutes before time Ayoub El Amloud almost pulled a goal back, which would have levelled matters on aggregate, with a header in the box that missed narrowly over the crossbar.
Sundowns closed shop in the dying minutes with a defensive change as Brian Onyango replaced Shalulile.
However, the Red Castle gave the Brazilians another scare in stoppages from a long ball, as Bouly Sambou headed a cross just wide.
In tense final few minutes of added time, Sundowns had time-wasting antics, with a number of players willingly taking yellow cards for delaying the game and held on to be crowned the inaugural champions after a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Lebusa, Mudau, Boutouil, Mvala, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Zwane, Shalulile, Riberio
Subs: D.Onyango, De Reuck, B.Onyango, Zungu, Sirino, Mashego, Mkhulise, Maema, Maboe
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