Wydad Casablanca secured their place in the final of the CAF Champions League by edging out Mamelodi Sundowns on the away goals rule at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Despite a 2-2 draw in the second leg (and a 2-2 aggregate score), Wydad advanced to the final, where they will have the opportunity to defend their African crown next month.
Mamelodi Sundowns started the match strongly, with Themba Zwane setting up Teboho Mokoena for an early chance, but Wydad goalkeeper Youssef El Motie made a comfortable save. Wydad posed a threat on the counter-attack, and Mohammed Ounajem came close to scoring, but his effort was denied by the Sundowns defense.
Sundowns continued to apply attacking pressure, and Peter Shalulile had a couple of opportunities to score, only to be denied by El Motie's saves. Wydad then adopted a deeper defensive approach to withstand the pressure. The first half ended with no goals.
Sundowns started the second half strongly and took the lead in the 50th minute when Zwane found the net with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area. They almost doubled their advantage through Shalulile, but El Motie made another impressive save.
Wydad showcased their ability to score an away goal with dangerous moments from Bouly Sambou and Zouheri El Moutaraji. In the 72nd minute, Ayoub El Amloud equalized for Wydad with a header from Yahya Jabrane's precise cross. However, Sundowns responded quickly as Shalulile scored in the 79th minute with a deflected shot from Thapelo Morena's low cross.
The drama continued as Wydad forced another equalizer from a set piece. Mothobi Mvala inadvertently headed the ball into his own net from Yahia Attiyat Allah's free kick in the 83rd minute, making it 2-2 on the day.
That own goal proved to be the decisive moment of the tie as Wydad held on for the remainder of the match. They will now face Al Ahly in the two-legged final, scheduled for June 4 and 11.
