Mamelodi Sundowns have clinched the inaugural African Football League title after defeating Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca 3-2 on aggregate.
Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro Costa returned for Sundowns, with Rivaldo Coetzee and Grant Kekana dropped for Mosa Lebusa and Mothobi Mvala, as suspension ruled out Wydad skipper Yahya Jahbrane.
It was a fiery start as expected for the Brazilians, with slow passing build-ups from Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena and Ribeiro keeping Wydad guessing.
Ribeiro enjoyed a more clearer chance midway in the first half through a loose ball wide of the area, but the Brazilian side-footed wide of the far post.
Sundowns continued to go on the attack after the water-break with the visitors sitting deep and looking to catch the Tshwane on the counter-attack.
The host were ahead on the cusp of halftime after Shalulile pounced on a loose ball from goalkeeper Youssef El Motie following Mokoena’s shot and fired in the roof of the net.
Masandawana looked to keep the momentum in the second half, as the visitors issued a double change in Saifeddine Bouhra and Bouly Sambou.
Shalulile very nearly got a brace with a close-range effort after a stray pass by the visitors, but El Motie was quick off his line and smothered.
The host did get a second though as another loose pass this time across the half-way line saw Aubrey Modiba intercept and raced clear to find the bottom-corner.
Wydad looked to draw level moments gone from a few efforts around the danger area, but Ronwen Williams was on hand and parried.
There were more threats launched by the Moroccan heavyweights later on with floated deliveries, but the host were alert and managed the closing minutes to bag the victory and the cup.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Lebusa, Mudau, Boutouil, Mvala, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Zwane, Shalulile, Riberio
Subs: D.Onyango, De Reuck, B.Onyango, Zungu, Sirino, Mashego, Mkhulise, Maema, Maboe
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