Downs squeak through

DREAM ALIVE: BRAZILIANS NEED PENALTIES TO SEE OFF YOUNG AFRICANS

VAR saved the home side after a seemingly clear goal from the visitors was disallowed.

Mamelodi Sundowns are through the semifinals of the Caf Champions League following a 3-2 penalty shootout victory against Young Africans of Tanzania at Loftus Versfeld last night.

Ronwen Williams saved two penalties as the home team advanced to the last four of the competition. In total, Yanga missed three of their kicks while Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro and Neo Maema made no mistake from the spot to get Masandawana over the line.

Both teams couldn’t be separated over the two legs.

Even the return of Themba Zwane – who was back from suspension – couldn’t inspire the Brazilians to break the stubborn Yanga defence.

Before the game, Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena pleaded with the home support to also play their part from stands and they did not disappoint.

The boisterous crowd tried to lift the players towards the end of the first half and it nearly paid off in the 37th minute when Thembinkosi Lorch found himself through on goal but Yanga goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved well with his feet.

It was the game’s first clearcut chance in what was a rather physical half with both teams fighting for possession.

It left referee Beida Dahan with no choice but to brandish two yellow cards to the visitors.

The opening 45 minutes proved to everyone in attendance that Yanga were not in Tshwane to just play dead. Sundowns needed something special to break them down.

Masandawana were saved by VAR after Aziz Ki produced a moment brilliance to beat Ronwen Williams with a thunderous effort that hit the underside of the bar and appeared looked to have cross the line.

After consultation with the video technology, the referee ruled that the ball had not crossed the line.

Franses Mzize should have put Yanga upfront but he missed a simple tap in when he only had Ronwen to beat towards the end of the game.

It was tense in the stands from then on and it was left to dreaded lottery to decide the game.

Williams was the hero once again for the 2016 champions who will play the winner between Esperance and ASEC Mimosas in the semifinals.

Picture: Backpagepix BRICK WALL. Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams make a save during the penalty shoot-out in the second leg of their Caf Champions League quarterfinal against Young Africans at Loftus Versfeld last night.