Mamelodi Sundowns missed out a spot in the CAF Champions League on the away goals rule after an entertaining 2-2 draw with Wydad Casablanca.
Masandawana weren’t able to call on Neo Maema and Marcelo Allende due to suspension, as coach Rulani Mokwena recalled Sphelele Mkhulise following the first-leg encounter.
Sundowns enjoyed a lot of the ball in the opening exchanges and looked to play through the low-block of the defending champions before Teboho Mokoena got a shot in from a tight angle.
The North Africans, though, were closest to taking the lead around the midway stage when a ball over the top saw Mohamed Ounajem in behind, but Abdelmounaim Boutouil’s recovery tackle thwarted the striker.
Rhulani Mokwena’s men should’ve gone in the lead moments gone with a first-time finish in the area from Peter Shalulile, but Youssef El Moutie made a remarkable point-blank save.
Sundowns were still on the front foot after halftime and took the lead when Themba Zwane intercepted a loose ball on the edge of the area and slotted in a gaping net.
Masandawna very nearly secured a second goal around the closing quarter with a snap shot in the area by Shalulile, but El Moutie produced a one-hand save to keep him out.
The Brazilians, though, let their advantage slip in the last 20 minutes after Ayoub El Amoub leaped in the box and nodded in a cross-field delivery.
Sundowns coach Mokwena issued a change in attack in an effort to regain the ascendancy, as Cassius Mailula came on in the place of Mkhulise.
The host did end up regaining the momentum in the last ten minutes when a ball in the middle of the area saw Shalulile open an angle to riffle in off a defender.
However, the Moroccans got the crucial equaliser minutes later after Mothobi Mvala nodded a floated ball from a free-kick into his own net.
Masandawana struggled to regain momentum following the set-back as Wydad slowed down the play, run down the clock for the draw and a place in the final to face Al Ahly.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Mvala, Boutouil, Modiba, Mokoena, Mbule, Mkhulise, Zwane, Morena, Shalulile
Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Kekana, Mashego, Domingo, Zungu, Nasir, Sirino, Mailula
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