CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly played out a tense 0-0 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, leaving everything to play for in the second leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final. The highly anticipated clash between the South African champions and Egypt’s record 14-time title holders produced few clear chances but plenty of tactical battles, setting the stage for a thrilling decider at Cairo International Stadium on 25 April at 1pm.

A Cagey Affair at Loftus Versfeld

The first leg of the semi-final saw both teams approach the game with caution, prioritising defensive solidity over attacking flair. Mamelodi Sundowns, known as the “Brazilians,” aimed to leverage their home advantage and continue their impressive unbeaten run against Al Ahly, which now stands at eight matches. However, the “Red Devils” from Cairo, under the guidance of coach Marcel Koller, executed a disciplined game plan, limiting Sundowns to zero shots on target.

The match kicked off at 3pm, with Loftus Versfeld buzzing with anticipation. Early on, Sundowns showed intent, with Teboho Mokoena firing a right-footed shot from outside the box in the 9th minute, though it sailed over the bar. Al Ahly responded in the 8th minute when Ahmed Hashem’s long-range effort missed the target, signaling their willingness to test Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

The game remained tight, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. In the 15th minute, Aubrey Modiba found Tashreeq Matthews inside the box, but the latter’s shot went wide of Mohamed El-Shenawy’s goal. Al Ahly came closest to breaking the deadlock just before half-time when Emam Ashour’s right-footed strike from outside the box forced a fine save from Williams. Moments later, Nejc Gradisar’s header rattled the crossbar, leaving Sundowns relieved to go into the break level.

Second Half: Substitutions and Missed Chances

The second half saw both coaches make tactical adjustments to tilt the game in their favour. Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso introduced Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners in the 16th minute, replacing Tashreeq Matthews and Peter Shalulile, who had been kept quiet by Al Ahly’s resolute defence. Later, in the 32nd minute, club captain Themba Zwane made a much-anticipated return from injury, replacing Jayden Adams to a roaring reception from the home crowd.

Al Ahly, meanwhile, brought on Akram Tawfik and Achraf Bencharki in the 44th minute, substituting Ahmed Hashem and Nejc Gradisar. The changes injected fresh energy, but the game remained a chess match. Lucas Ribeiro came close for Sundowns in the 38th minute with a right-footed shot from distance, only for El-Shenawy to make a comfortable save. Al Ahly thought they had scored in the 70th minute when Gradisar found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Yellow cards were shown to Aubrey Modiba (24th minute), Marcelo Allende (32nd minute), and Al Ahly’s Achraf Bencharki (50th minute) as the referee worked to keep control of a fiercely contested match. Despite Sundowns’ possession dominance, they struggled in the final third, while Al Ahly’s counter-attacks kept the home defence on edge.

Key Performers and Tactical Insights

Sundowns’ defensive duo of Grant Kekana and Mosa Lebusa stood firm, thwarting Al Ahly’s attacking moves, while Ronwen Williams was reliable in goal. For Al Ahly, Ramy Rabia and Mohamed Hany were rock-solid at the back, ensuring the visitors left Pretoria with a clean sheet. Emam Ashour, Al Ahly’s top scorer with five goals in seven CAF Champions League games this season, was a constant threat but couldn’t find the decisive touch.

The match highlighted Sundowns’ struggle to convert possession into goals, a concern heading into the second leg. Al Ahly, on the other hand, will take confidence from their defensive display and the prospect of playing in front of 90,000 passionate fans in Cairo. Cardoso later expressed disappointment with the home crowd’s turnout, urging supporters to rally behind the team in future matches.

The Road to Cairo

The 0-0 draw leaves the tie delicately poised, with Al Ahly holding a slight advantage as they return to the Cairo International Stadium, a venue where Sundowns have historically struggled. The “Red Devils” are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League since 2021 and will look to capitalise on their experience in high-stakes matches. Sundowns, however, remain confident, with Cardoso insisting his team can overcome the Egyptian giants. “We know that Al Ahly in the last seven years have won a lot of Champions League titles, but it’s possible to beat them,” he said.

The second leg on 25 April at 1pm (SA time) promises to be a blockbuster. The winner will advance to the CAF Champions League final, with a chance to claim Africa’s most prestigious club trophy. Sundowns are chasing their second title, having won in 2016, while Al Ahly aim for a record-extending 15th crown.

Team Line-Ups and Substitutions

Mamelodi Sundowns Starting XI: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Mosa Lebusa, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, Tashreeq Matthews, Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro.
Substitutions: Arthur Sales (16’), Iqraam Rayners (16’), Themba Zwane (32’), Asekho Tiwani (44’).
Bench: Denis Onyango, Lucas Suarez, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Sphelele Mkhulise, Bathusi Aubaas.

Al Ahly Starting XI: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hany, Achraf Dari, Mostafa Al Aash, Marwan Attia, Ahmed Reda, Emam Ashour, Taher Mohamed, Nejc Gradisar.
Substitutions: Akram Tawfik (44’), Achraf Bencharki (44’).
Bench: Mostafa Shobeir, Amr Al Sulaya, Omar Kamal, Karim Nedved, Ahmed Koka, Mohamed Magdy, Hussein El-Shahat.

Historical Context and Stakes

Sundowns and Al Ahly have a storied rivalry, having met 16 times in CAF competitions, with each team claiming five wins and six draws. Notable clashes include Sundowns’ 5-0 thrashing of Al Ahly in Pretoria in 2019 and Al Ahly’s back-to-back eliminations of Sundowns in 2020 and 2021. The Brazilians have not reached the Champions League final since their 2016 triumph, while Al Ahly have dominated the competition, winning four of the last five titles.

For Sundowns, this semi-final represents a chance to bury the ghosts of Cairo, where they have often faltered. The return of Themba Zwane, who recently signed a new contract, adds experience to their squad. Al Ahly, meanwhile, are under pressure to deliver, with reports suggesting Koller’s job is on the line after a 1-1 domestic draw against Pyramids FC.

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