Mamelodi Sundowns secured a dramatic spot in the final of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Al Ahly on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium, advancing on the away goals rule.
Following a tense goalless draw in the first leg in Pretoria, it was the Egyptian giants who struck first in the return fixture. Taher Mohamed gave Al Ahly the lead midway through the first half with a powerful long-range strike after being set up by the energetic Emam Ashour.
Driven by a raucous home crowd, Al Ahly dominated the opening half and looked poised to finally end their winless run against Sundowns. However, the South African champions showed grit and composure in the second half, weathering the storm before delivering a decisive blow in the final stages.
With just ten minutes to go, a low cross into the Ahly box caused chaos and saw defender Yasser Ibrahim turn the ball into his own net under intense pressure from Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile.
The own goal flipped the script, handing Sundowns the away goal advantage and leaving the home side in desperate need of a winner. Al Ahly threw bodies forward in a frantic finale, with late chances falling to substitutes Achraf Bencharki and Wessam Abou Ali, but the visitors held firm.
Sundowns’ defence stood tall, absorbing wave after wave of pressure to protect the crucial away goal and seal a famous result in hostile territory.
The result sees Sundowns extend their unbeaten run against Al Ahly to nine matches and book a place in the CAF Champions League final for the first time since 2016. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Pyramids FC and Orlando Pirates.
For Al Ahly, the defeat was a crushing blow in front of their home fans, ending their hopes of a record-extending 12th CAF Champions League title.
By: Owuraku Nsiah || Sikka FM
