Sundowns to take vital lead to Casablanca

Mamelodi Sundowns (0)1 Zakri 71 Wydad Casablanca 0 THE bold decision to book accommodation in Algeria next week, get visas to fly straight there from Casablanca, and yesterday’s win could see the Brazilians continue their favourite past-time in the Caf Champions League ... namely tormenting North African teams.

Sundowns didn’t exactly wipe the floor with the 19-time Moroccan champions but the win showed the Brazilians’ character to fight until the end, sending a strong message of intent in their bid to retain the Champions League title.

Without the injured Anthony Laffor, Yannick Zakri came off the bench to play the most important cameo in his Sundowns career, giving the Tshwane side a vital lead heading into the second leg on Saturday. Wydad might not have parked the bus, but they strategically positioned it to frustrate Sundowns who struggled to penetrate them. Instead of the offensive 3-4-3 they played at home against FUS Rabat, Wydad played a 4-3-3, which turned to six at the back when they defended. The Brazilians tended to play with blinkers on, only seeing one side of their flanks – the one that was manned by Tebogo Langerman on the left while ignoring Thapelo Morena who had acres of space on the right flank.

The Moroccans had their eyes on Denis Onyango, ruffling his feathers and looking to get a response from the big man but the Ethiopian referee, Bamlak Weyesa, was quick to stop Wydad in their tracks.

Sundowns had most of the ball, but Wydad’s defending managed to reduce that possession to nothing for the better part of yesterday’s match as the Brazilians hardly troubled goalkeeper Zouheir Laaroubi. Just like Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said, Wydad soaked up the pressure at first to read their opponents before playing a more open game in the second half.

A draw would have made Sundowns’ trip to Casablanca more daunting without a goal, luckily for them Zakri (pictured) stepped and threaded the ball past Laaroubi. Sundowns will need to improve if they are to go to Algeria from Casablanca to potentially take on USM Alger in the semi-finals. The Algerians scored a crucial away goal in the 1-1 draw with Ferroviario Beira in Mozambique.