Tau Silenced as Downs Overcome Al Ahly in AFL

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.