Sundowns claim inaugural AFL title with victory over Wydad de Casablanca

Ahram Online , Sunday 12 Nov 2023

South African team Sundowns won the first edition of the African Football League (AFL) after defeating Wydad de Casablanca 2-0 in the second leg of the competition’s final on Sunday in Pretoria.

Sundowns
Sundowns South African defender #5 Mosa Lebusa fights for the ball with Wydad s Algerian midfielder #17 Zakaria Draoui during the African Football League (AFL) second-leg final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca at Loftus Versveld in Pretoria on November 12, 2023. AFP

 

Having lost the first leg 2-1 in Casablanca a week earlier, Sundowns secured the title with a 3-2 aggregate win.

Returning striker Peter Shalulile, making his first appearance in approximately a month after recovering from injury, scored the opening goal just before halftime to give his side the lead.

Eight minutes into the second half, Aubrey Modiba extended Sundowns' advantage with a second goal, sealing the victory.

Despite Wydad de Casablanca's attempts to narrow the gap and force a penalty shootout, they failed to pose a significant threat to the hosts, who were content with their lead.

As champions, Sundowns will receive an impressive prize of $4 million, making the AFL the most lucrative continental club competition in Africa.

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