Downs prepare for decisive CAF showdown in Cairo
The first leg of the semi-final clash ended in a goalless draw after both teams struggled to find the back of the net.
Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up for a high-stakes second-leg semi-final clash against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League on April 25 in Cairo, following a tightly contested 0-0 draw in the first leg at Loftus Stadium.
The opening leg on April 19 was a tense affair, with both sides fighting hard but failing to break the deadlock.
The Brazilians, playing in front of their home crowd, controlled possession early in the match and created the first big chance when Teboho Mokoena fired a powerful shot over the bar.
Al Ahly’s attempts, on the other hand, were rebuffed by host goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The visitors continued to test Williams but he stood firm.
In the final stages of the first half, Lucas Ribeiro came close to breaking the stalemate.
His low shot from the right flank, drifted wide, leaving the scoreline unchanged as both sides retreated to the locker rooms at 0-0.
The tension was palpable when the two teams returned for the second half, each eager to find a goal that would tilt the tie in their favour.
Just five minutes into the second half, the Brazilians were awarded a free kick after forcing a series of mistakes from their opponents.
Mokoena’s creative delivery forced a crucial save from the Al Ahly keeper, further heightening the stakes as both teams ramped up their efforts to break through.
Defensive strategies took precedence in the final few minutes of the match as each side sought to thwart their opponent.
Ribeiro, who became the focal point of the hosts’ attacking strategy, found himself tightly marked, limiting his opportunities to strike.
Despite the high stakes and relentless pressure from both sides, the match concluded without a goal.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ lineup in the first leg: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Ribeiro, Shalulile, Matthews.
Substitutes: Onyango, Suarez, Mdunyelwa, Tiwani, Mkhulise, Aubaas, Sales, Zwane, Rayners.
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