Mamelodi Sundowns secured a crucial 1-0 win over Al Ahly in the first leg
of their African Football League semi-final on Sunday afternoon at Loftus
Versfeld. With Mothobi Mvala suspended, Boutouil moved to the centre of
the defence as Aubrey Modiba was recalled at left-back as the only change
from Tuesday’s draw against Petro de Luanda.
Rulani Mokwena’s charges dominated from the onset, with Marcelo Allende
dictating the play from the middle of the park although clear-cut chances
were hard to come by in the early stages. The first clear-cut chance
arrived on 30 minutes when Thapelo Maseko managed to get on the end of a
delightful cross before seeing his close-range effort brilliantly turned
away by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohammed El Shenawy.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, certainly remembered the hiding they received at the
hands of Sundowns on their last visit to South Africa, with Marcel
Koller’s quite happy to sit back and soak up the pressure in the first
half. After a frustrating first half, Sundowns bagged the opening goal
seven minutes after the halftime break when Maseko found the back of the
net with a powerful strike from distance.
Mokwena responded with a change on the hour mark, as Gaston Sirino made
way for Junior Mendieta to freshen up the attack while the visitors
introduced former Borussia Dortmund striker Anthony Modeste for Salah
Moshen. While Al Ahly were eager to find an equaliser, Teboho Mokoena went
close to getting a second goal for Sundowns with an effort from distance
but El Shenawy produced a fine save to keep his side in the contest.
The match ended with Mamelodi Sundowns taking a one-goal lead into the
second leg of the semi-final, which will take place in Cairo on Tuesday
evening. With a precious away goal in the bag, Mamelodi Sundowns will be
hoping to make the most of their advantage and progress to the African
Football League final.
Victory at Loftus! Time to gear up for the away leg! ✅🔜
Mamelodi Sundowns (52' Maseko) 1⃣➖0⃣ Al Ahly#Sundowns #DownsLive #AFL pic.twitter.com/88gjmn4z2n
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) October 29, 2023
