Downs can almost touch glory
Mamelodi Sundowns are four matches away from once again reaching the pinnacle of African football.
The sensational Brazilians progressed to the semifinals of the CAF Champions League after they outclassed Al Ahly 5-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals.
Following their resounding 5-0 win in the first-leg last week, the second leg on Saturday was a mere formality as Downs needed to ensure that the Egyptians did not pull off a miracle. In the end, Sundowns held on to their advantage despite a 1-0 defeat at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria. That loss was inconsequential as they booked their place in the semis where they will face Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca on April 27 in the first leg. Sundowns will play the second leg at home in Pretoria on May 4.
Former Downs winger Eric Ramasike praised the team for finally putting Al Ahly to the sword.
“Sundowns are very strong right now and some people can say that this was not the old Al Ahly but that doesn’t matter,” Ramasike said.
“If you look on the continent
right now Sundowns are among the best. In the past Al Ahly have given us problems
but things have changed.” Ramasike recalled how the Egyptians beat them 4-1 on aggregate in the 2001 Champions League final.
“It was our mistake that we lost that final. That is football, if you don’t take your chances you will be punished,” he said. While Sundowns face Wydad, defending champions Esperance of Tunisia will meet TP Mazembe from the DR Congo in the other semifinal. Mazembe recovered from conceding a 90-second goal to trounce Simba SC of Tanzania 4-1 in Lubumbashi after a goalless first leg last Saturday. Wydad and Esperance advanced to the semis after good away results last weekend. The Moroccans overwhelmed Horoya of Guinea 5-0 in Rabat. Esperance completed a double over CS Constantine of Algeria 3-1 for a 6-3 aggregate win. – additional reporting by