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Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela was not involved in the thrilling clash in Pretoria.
Wydad Casablanca qualified for back-to-back CAF Champions League finals after a 2-2 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versefeld Stadium on Saturday.
The Brazilians went ahead twice, but the North African giants fought back and booked their place in the final on away goals rule after the first leg ended in a barren draw and they will now face Al Ahly of Egypt.
There was palpable tension inside Sundowns' penalty area in the first minute when Sphelele Mkhulise’s clearance went back towards goal. However, Ronwen Williams’ swift reaction saved the moment for the South African giants.
Wydad were patient in building up their play and, when attacking, almost caught the home side off guard in the 11th minute.
Mothobi Mvala’s well-timed clearance, however, denied the Moroccan giants a chance to break the deadlock after stealthily making their way into the penalty box.
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16:26 - 20.05.2023
FOOTBALL Yanga confess interest in South African striking duo
The South Africa Premier Soccer League duo have posted mixed performances this season.
With Wydad remaining solid in the opening 15 minutes, Sundowns’ attacks were limited. Teboho Mokoena attempted a shot from outside the box in the 14th minute, but Youssef El Motie made a big save to keep the score line goalless.
Abdelmounaim Boutouil and Williams had to team up and deny Mohamed Ounnajem a chance to score. Ounnajem found himself in a promising position to find the back of the net, but the Sundowns duo had to close in on the Casablanca attacker and stop him from causing havoc in the 19th minute.
Peter Shalulile had a chance to score the opening goal in the 21st minute, but his excellent shot at goal was initially stopped by Motie before Yahya Attiat-Allah eventually cleared away the dangerous ball.
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10:34 - 18.05.2023
FOOTBALL Victor Wanyama's monthly salary slashed by Ksh14.7 million in new deal
The midfielder signed a new two-year deal in December 2022.
The Casablanca goalkeeper was called to action again in the 23rd minute when Thapelo Morena’s inch-perfect delivery into the box found Shalulile. Motie’s intervention denied the Namibian and saved the visitors from going down.
After keeping the Pretoria giants at bay in the first half quite effectively, the Champions League reigning kings conceded in the 49th minute. Themba Zwane scored the opening goal after making maximum use of poor communication at the back.
After conceding, the visitors showed some urgency in attack and almost came close to getting an equalizer in the 58th minute. After a dangerous ball landed in the penalty area, Boutouil intervened and made a vital clearance.
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06:40 - 20.05.2023
CONFEDERATION CUP Hard work pays! The millions Yanga will pocket for reaching final
The Tanzanian heavyweights are set for a financial windfall after their impressive continental campaign.
Five minutes after the hour mark, Khuliso Mudau made another clearance as Sundowns weathered another storm to keep the score line in their favour.
The Moroccan giants were denied again in the 70th minute when Williams made an excellent save to stop a powerful shot launched at close range.
After being denied on three occasions, Wydad finally found the back of the net in the 71st minute, and Ayoub El Amloud scored the equalizing goal.
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11:45 - 19.05.2023
CAF Confederations Cup Tanzanian president offers private jet to Yanga for Confederation Cup
The two-legged final will take place first on the 28th in Dar-es-Salaam before a return leg in Algiers on June 3rd 2023 with the side set to travel there through the chattered flight.
After conceding, Downs coach Rhulani Mokwena made a tactical change by withdrawing a defensive-minded Mkhulise and bringing on Caisus Mailula, a youngster whose season with the PSL giants can be described as a breakthrough.
In the 79th minute, with an assist from Morena, Shalulile restored Masandawana’s lead, but it lasted for a short while. Mvala directed the ball into his own net as he attempted to clear a set-piece by Wydad in the 83rd minute.
After the spirited fight, Wydad will now face Egypt’s giants, Al Ahly, whom they defeated last season to become champions.
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