Wydad see off Sundowns but it’s still all to play for in AFL final

Wydad Casablanca grabbed the advantage in the first leg of the African Football League final on Sunday, beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 at the Stade Mohammed V.

An unfortunate own goal by Rivaldo Coetzee and a wonderful strike by Anas Serrhat were enough for victory.

Abdelmounaim Boutouil, who was playing in his home country, got the away goal for the Brazilians ahead of next weekend’s second leg in Tshwane.

As expected the home side dominated the early exchanges backed by 67 000 fans that packed the stadium in Casablanca.

Sundowns did have their opportunities to take the lead in the first half. Lesiba Nku wasted a good chance in the 40th minute when he was put through on goal by Marcelo Allende, but the former Marumo Gallants winger hit the side of the net.

The Brazilians were made to pay for their inefficiency in the final third when Rivaldo Coetzee scored an own goal four minutes before the break.

The versatile midfielder put the ball in the wrong net after Montasser Lahtimi skilfully dribbled past Abdelmounaim Boutouil and put in a dangerous cross that led to Coetzee’s own goal.

It was a case of déjà vu for all associated with Sundowns. Mothobi Mvala also put the ball in the back of his own net when Wydad knocked the South African DStv Premiership champions out of last season’s CAF Champions League.

It was the first time Masandawana’s defensive wall was breached in the AFL as Rulani Mokwena’s charges found themselves behind against the Moroccan giants at the break.  

Second half revival

The visitors were much more better in the second stanza and asked questions of the Wydad defence. They were rewarded for their endeavor when Boutouil equalised from the penalty spot in the 75th minute after the referee consulted VAR and pointed to the spot for a handball against Yahya Jabrane.

Downs found themselves behind again, however, as this time Serrhat unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the box that Ronwen Williams will feel he could have done better to save.

Although it’s advantage Wydad, Sundowns will still feel confident of getting the job done at home after controlling large parts of the second half.