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Mamelodi Sundowns clinched a historic African Football League title, led by Brian Mandela's defensive prowess and team resilience against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco
Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned champions of the inaugural African Football League (AFL) after a scintillating 2-0 victory over Wydad Athletic Club at Loftus Versfeld in South Africa on Sunday afternoon.
Masadawana's head coach Rulani Mokwena, whose confidence never wavered, insisted that it was 'written in the stars' for Sundowns to clinch the continental trophy after a 2-1 first-leg loss against Wydad in Casablanca.
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15:38 - 12.11.2023
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The journey to glory was a path laden with redemption facing the very side that ousted them from the CAF Champions League semi-final last season.
Overcoming adversities including triumphs over football giants Al Ahly and Petro de Luanda en route to the AFL final the Sundowns showcased resiliene to rewrite history.
Mokwena's tactical masterclass, complemented by the return of key players Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro Costa from injury, was evident on the pitch.
Although not at their fluent best, Shalulile seized the moment to find the opener. Teboho Mokoena the inspirational force conjured magic with a rasping effort that rebounded off Youssef El Motie, allowing Shalulile to slot home sending the capacity crowd into ecstasy amidst the blazing heat in Tshwane.
The second half saw the home side seizing control, choking the life out of the visitors. Aubrey Modiba displayed extreme composure chipping the ball beyond an onrushing El Motie just seven minutes after the break, further solidifying Sundowns' dominance.
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11:45 - 12.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Brian Mandela's Mamelodi Sundowns eye historic triumph against Wydad Casablanca in AFL final
Mamelodi Sundowns aim for a historic win against Wydad Casablanca in the AFL finals seeking continental glory.
As the tension heightened, Kenyan defender Brian Mandela was introduced in the 86th minute to replace the goal-scorer Shalulile.
Mandela, standing tall in the defence, played a pivotal role in the final moments of the match.
Enduring four minutes plus the added 13 of injury time, Mandela showcased composure and defensive prowess, thwarting Wydad's attempts to mount a comeback.
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19:30 - 08.11.2023
FOOTBALL Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena pledges all-out assault in AFL final against Wydad
Mamelodi Sundowns' coach vows an all-out assault in the AFL final against Wydad, seeking to overturn a first-leg deficit for history.
Sundowns carved out several chances in the dying minutes, displaying attacking flair, but were unable to add to the scoreline.
The final whistle marked the culmination of a historic journey as Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 2-0 victory and a 3-2 aggregate triumph.
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