Downs smell CAF glory
Sundowns (2) 3 Zamalek 0 LOVERS Mohlala, a member of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad that lost the 2001 CAF Champions League final, sat in the VIP area here yesterday and saluted Pitso Mosimane and the boys for doing what his generation failed to do 15 years ago.
Back then, Sundowns were beaten 4-1 on aggregate by Egyptian giants Al Ahly after a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg before losing 3-0 in the second leg in Cairo.
This time, however, there were no mistakes from Sundowns.
They buried Zamalek by 3-0 to take a healthy lead to Egypt for the return leg in exactly seven days.
It's in Zamalek's backyard where Mosimane and his boys could make history and become only the second South African club, after Orlando Pirates, to win the Champions League. And, according to yesterday's performance, Sundowns would add Africa’s biggest club competition trophy in their cabinet.
Sundowns were smart to start their game in the afternoon because Zamalek struggled with the heat.
The hosts dominated play and had a few opportunities, but it was not until the half hour mark when Anthony Laffor proved, yet again, that he is the man for the big occasion with a well taken goal after 31 minutes. A brilliant pass from captain Hlompho Kekana, who had surged forward from midfield, got into the path of Laffor, who had loads of time and space to hit the target.
Nine minutes later left back Tebogo Langerman’s harmless looking crossed ball stunned Zamalek goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenaway when it connected with the back of the net.
Sundowns needed a third goal to put more pressure on Zamalek going into the second leg. And it took them only a minute in the second period to get a third, thanks to an own goal from Eslam Hamed.
It was one of the most memorable days in South African football, not only because of the result, but the support Sundowns received from their supporters.