Miguel Cardoso’s side make it through via the away goals rule.
Mamelodi Sundowns broke 70 000-plus hearts in Cairo on Friday night, as a late own-goal saw them past Al Ahly and into the final of the Caf Champions League.
A packed Cairo International Stadium was in fine voice as Taher Mohamed’s first half goal meant Ahly led 1-0 on the night and on aggregate.
But the home supporters were stunned into silence in the 90th minute as Ahly central defender Yasser Ibrahim put through his own net. Sundowns had a vital away goal, and hung on for more than seven minutes of injury time to get to the final for the first time since they won the competition back in 2016.
Masandawana will also feel justice was done as Mauritanian referee Dahane Bedia turned down a second half penalty appeal after consulting VAR>
Miguel Cardoso decided to leave strikers Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners on the bench for this game. Lucas Ribeiro played through the middle, while Tashreeq Matthews tried to break into the space behind the Ahly defence.Â
The combination nearly worked in the 4th minute, as Ribeiro released Matthews, but his left-footed shot flew wide of goal.Â
Ahly worked their way into the game, in front of a sea of Red Devils supporters. In the 22nd minute, Slovenian striker Nejc Gradisar was first to an inswinging free kick but lashed his shot over from close range.Â
Two minutes later, however, Ahly were in front. Ribeiro conceded possession in a Sundowns attack, allowing Ahly to spring forward. Emam Ashour’s pass released Taher Mohammed, and just as the striker appeared to be heading away from goal he smashed a brilliant near-post finish past Ronwen Williams.Â
Ribeiro was finding some good pockets between the lines and he spun and again tried to release Matthews in the 29th minute, but Mohamed Hany got back to make an excellent tackle.Â
In the 33rd minute, Ashour had a chance to double Ahly’s lead but Williams made a good save this time at his near post.Â
Sundowns finally had their first shot on target of the entire two-legged semifinal just before half time, but Teboho Mokoena’s effort was tame and straight at Mohamed El Shenawy.Â
Cardoso’s side came out with more intent after the break and Ribeiro’s shot was fumbled by El Shenawy, but the Ahly goalkeeper recovered quickly.Â
Ribeiro then created an even better chance for himself, cutting sharply onto his right foot, but blasted way over the bar.Â
In the 58th minute, Thapelo Morena won a corner with some good work down the right. Ribeiro’s corner was flicked wide of his own goal by an Ahly defender, but the referee gave a goal kick.Â
Then came some confusion and no little controversy. In the 64th minute, Ribeiro went down in the box under the challenge of Yasser Ibrahim.
A long VAR review ensued and referee Dahane Beida was called to the monitor. There seemed to be contact from Ibrahim on Ribeiro. But after reviewing the replay, the referee decided not to award a penalty.
During that delay, Sundowns brought on Themba Zwane. And in the 72nd minute, ‘Mshishi’ wasted a glorious chance. A lovely pass from Ribeiro found him inside the area, but his first touch was unusally poor and presented the ball to El Shenawy.
Shalulile and Rayners also came on as Sundowns went in search of that away goal.
And Rayners was involved in the final minute as his touch bounced off the leg of Ebrahim and went past El Shenawy into the corner of the net.
