South African side Mamelodi Sundowns went into the Caf Champions League final second-leg clash leading 3-0 on aggregate against Egyptian giants Zamalek in Alexandria on Sunday evening.
The Brazilians were hoping to lift their first ever Champions League title on the night, while the White Knights were eyeing their sixth continental title.
The White Knights had the majority of possession in the opening stages of the game as they searched for an early goal in order to unsettle the Brazilians.
In the 13th minute, Zamalek combined brilliantly on the edge of the Sundowns box and Stanley Ohawuchi’s effort narrowly missed the target from close range.
Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango went down injured twice after the 20th minute as pressure mounted on the visitors’ defence.
The Brazilians were dealt a major blow in the 28th minute when an injured Onyango, who is their first-choice keeper, was replaced by former South Africa international Wayne Sandilands.
Eleven minutes later, the visitors launched a quick counter attack and Billiat set-up Percy Tau whose acrobatic effort was saved by Zamalek keeper Genesh.
At the other end, Sandilands produced a fantastic save to deny Zamalek star Ahmed Tawfik in the 43rd minute – ensuring that the first-half ended goalless.
Zamalek were awarded a free-kick in a promising area five minutes into the second-half, but Khalid Ramzy’s effort from the set-piece was blocked by the wall.
However, the White Knights’ pressure finally paid off in the 64th minute when Ohawuchi unleashed a powerful low shot which beat Sandilands to make it 1-0 to Zamalek.
With his side leading 3-1 on aggregate, Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane made a tactical change when he introduced midfielder Teko Modise for a forward Anthony Laffor in the 72nd minute.
Second-half substitute Shikabala played a great cross into the Sundowns box in the 81st minute, but Asavela Mbekile made a brilliant defensive clearance at the far-post.
Nevertheless, Sundowns contained Zamalek in the dying minutes of the encounter and the latter won 1-0 on the night, but the Brazilians won 3-1 on aggregate to secure the continental title.
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