Downs gain upper hand
FIRST LEG: SUB GIVES DOWNS A PRICELESS ADVANTAGE Moroccan side, though, will defend an unbeaten home run.
Mamelodi Sundowns made the most of their home advantage yesterday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, when they beat Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca 1-0 to put themselves in a good position going into the second-leg tie this coming Saturday.
The Caf Champions League defending champions’ goal came from substitute Yannick Zakri in the 71st minute.
After a frustrating first-half, Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane made his first switch at the start of the second interval, withdrawing Sibusiso Vilakazi, who was arguably the best player on the pitch in the opening stanza.
However, the tactical switch of adding more numbers up front underscored the African Coachof-the-Year’s tactical nous.
Neither Sundowns nor Wydad made notable attempts on goal in the first half. For Masandawana, the only real threat came off the boot of captain Hlompho Kekana, who let loose one of his trademark long-range strikes at goal. Unfortunately his effort only found the advertising boards behind Wydad goalkeeper Zouhair Laaroubi’s post.
African Player-of-the-Year, Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango, was a victim of some strong-arm stuff by the visitors’ attack, having been brought down twice by Ismail el Haddad in the space of 10 minutes. Percy Tau was behind
Masandawana’s first attempt on goal in the second half, releasing a long-range effort after Themba Zwane laid the ball off to him on his favourite left foot. However, Tau’s effort was not good enough to test goalkeeper Laaroubi as it flew agonisingly over the bar.
Soon after, defender Wayne Arendse squandered an opportunity to put his side in front seven minutes after the hour mark. The 32-year-old saw the ball land in front of him from a Zwane setpiece.
Mosimane – who is already missing the likes of Khama Billiat, Anthony Laffor and Tiyani Mabunda, who are all out nursing injuries – saw defender Motjeka Madisha limp off the pitch 10 minutes from the end and brought on Congolese defender Bangaly Soumahoro.
In an attempt to close shop at the back, the former Bafana Bafana coach made a change in defence, introducing veteran defender Thabo Nthethe in the final five minutes. Leonardo Castro was the player who made way for “Mr Cool”.
The Brazilians are aware that the second leg will be difficult, considering Wydad’s impeccable record at home in this season.