By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns’ bid to win the African Football League suffered a minor setback following a 2-1 defeat by Wydad Casablanca in the first-leg of the final at Stade Mohamed V on Sunday.
For the second straight match against the Moroccan giants, Sundowns scored an own goal and this time around it was Rivaldo Coetzee who beat his own goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to hand the hosts a lead four minutes before halftime.
Coetzee’s own goal might have reminded Sundowns about Mothobi Mvala costly scoring past Williams in last season’s CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Wydad.
The Brazilians will hope to overturn the result in the second-leg in Tshwane next Sunday.
Lesiba Nku was a surprise starter as the Brazilians still missed key players Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Sipho Mbule, Thapelo Morena and Bathusi Aubaas.
It was an unusual first half in which Sundowns were helplessly dominated, always second to the ball and continuously chased possession.
Coach Rhulani Mokwena might have struggled to recognise his men who were strangely making stray passes.
But it appeared Sundowns’ plan was to hit Wydad on a counter-attack and on 38 minutes, Nku side-netted with three of the hosts’ defenders on his case.
In an energy-sapping moment, Coetzee turned in past his own goalkeeper Ronwen Williams a low cross from Mountassir Lahtimi who thrived from some slack marking by Abdel Boutouil and Nku.
Deep into the first-half’s stoppage time, Sundowns thought they deserved a penalty after Nku appeared to have been pushed inside the box by Yahya Attiat-Allah but escaped unpunished as the referee waved play-on.
Just after 20 minutes into the second half, Teboho Mokoena watched his freekick being brilliantly saved by Wydad goalkeeper Youssef El Motie.
A period of sustained pressure by Sundowns ensured El Motie was instrumental in keeping at bay Masandawana forwards.
Sundowns were then handed a penalty after the hosts’ captain Yahya Jabrane handled inside the box.
Up-stepped Abdel Boutouil to beat El Motie from the spot for his first-ever goal in Masandawana colours
As Sundowns thought they could go back home enjoying a one-apiece result, Williams was beaten again, but this time around by an Anas Serrhat volley.
Hamdou El Houni’s almost grabbed Wydad’s third goal but his curler the crossbar.
Pictured above: Wydad Casablanca vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Image source: African Football League
