Sundowns claim Wydad scalp in Tshwane

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Jan 19, 2019. 23:23

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed the scalp of Wydad Casablanca on Saturday night, winning their CAF Champions League Group A clash 2-1 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane.

The Brazilians secured victory thanks to a brace from midfielder Themba Zwane, with the result seeing them join the Moroccan side as well as ASEC Mimosas and Lobi Stars on three points apiece after the second round of matches (ASEC defeated Stars 1-0 earlier in the day).

Sundowns claimed the lead in the eighth minute, with Zwane getting on the end of a cross from Lebohang Maboe before sending a powerful shot which goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti failed to keep out at his near post.

The hosts were emboldened by the goal and went on to create further opportunities to add to the score line, but their failure to capitalise on their momentum and dominance was punished 10 minutes before the break when Mohamed Nahiri made it 1-1 with a fine finish.

The second half saw the pace of the game slow to a crawl, which very much suited the North African visitors and caused frustrations to boil over for ‘Downs. Yet on 65 minutes they reclaimed the lead through a superb strike from Zwane, who chested down a poor clearance on the edge of the box and fired home on the half-volley.

The South African side was able to see out the remainder of the match to secure a vital three points. They will be back in Champions League action on the first weekend of February when they host ASEC Mimosas, while Wydad will be away to Lobi Stars.

Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 2 (Zwane 8’ 65’)
Wydad Casablanca (1) 1 (Nahiri 35’)

Sundowns: Onyango, Morena, Nascimento, Lebusa, Langerman, Laffor (Lakay 81’), Kekana, Mabunda, Zwane, Maboe, Sirino (Madisha 88’)
Wydad: Tagnaouti, Noussir, Dari, Aarab (Gaddarine 48’), Nahiri, Ounnajem, El Karti, Saidi, Nakach, El Haddad (El Moutaraji 70’), Jebor (Badi 71’)