South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs reach first ever Champions League final

Ahram Online , Saturday 26 Jun 2021

Kaiszer Chiefs Photo: facebook.com/kaizerchiefs
Kaiszer Chiefs Photo: facebook.com/kaizerchiefs

South African giants Kaizer Chiefs reached their first ever Champions League final after holding Moroccan giants Wydad to a scoreless home draw in the semi-final second leg on Saturday.

A first-leg goal from Samir Nurkovic last week in Casablanca proved the difference as Kaizer Chiefs caused a huge upset to sneak through 1-0 on aggregate. They will face the winners of the other semi-final clash between defending champions Ahly and Tunisia's Esperance later in the day.

Despite playing on home soil, Kaizer Chiefs sat back to protect their advantage, leaving Wydad to control over 65 percent of possession albeit without causing much trouble to the hosts. 

Wydad had a few chances but Ayoub El Kaabi and Mohamed Ounajem missed their best opportunities as the team exited the competition at the semi-final stage for the second year in a row.

The South African league record winners – now a fading power after being upstaged by heavyweights Sundowns – are having their best run on the continental front since their last and only achievement of winning the Cup winners’ Cup in 2001.

The Champions League final is set to take place on 17 July in Casablanca.  

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