Sundowns ladies lose out on Caf Women’s Champions League title defence

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies players and fans were in tears on Sunday evening after the team’s title defence came crashing down following a 4-0 defeat to Moroccan club AsFar Club.

Masandawana ladies surrendered their title in a dramatic final which saw two of their players Rhoda Mulaundzi and captain Zanele Nhlapho sent off.

Nine women Sundowns had to play the remainder of the match against 11.

Andiswa Ngcoyi said she knew that it was not going to be an easy final.

“I give credit to our opponents. We lost and we can’t take back the results. When we win, we win together and when we lose, we lose together,” she said.

Nhlapho said they accepted the defeat although it was sad.

“We take it as players. We need to move on because there’s nothing we can do,” she said.

She said she left Morocco a proud captain of Sundowns.

Coach Jerry Tshabalala congratulated AsFar for emerging as a deserving winner.

“They showed their class throughout the tournament, and they are worthy champions,” he said.

He added that it wasn’t their day to emerge victorious.

“That is football for you, you win some and you lose some. We delivered our best, but we were undone by the early goal and some unfortunate decisions. Nevertheless, we have gained several lessons the hard way in Morocco, and we would be aiming to make amends when the next opportunity presents itself,” he said.

Defender Bambanani Mbane, midfielder Boitumelo Rabele and forward Lelona Daweti were named in the competition’s best XI.

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