Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa emerged victorious in the inaugural African Football League, securing a 2-0 win against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in Pretoria in a spectacular finale on Sunday.
This triumph marked Sundowns’ first African trophy since their CAF Super Cup victory six years ago. With a 3-2 aggregate victory over the two-leg final, Sundowns celebrated a historic win against Wydad, breaking a streak of previous knockout defeats.
Namibian captain Peter Shalulile, making a notable return after missing Sundowns’ previous five matches in the competition, broke the deadlock three minutes into first-half added time.
Seizing the opportunity from a parried shot, Shalulile swiftly slammed the ball into the net, bringing jubilation to the 50,000-strong crowd, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Aubrey Modiba extended Sundowns’ lead in the second half, intercepting a wayward pass from Wydad and skillfully lifting the ball over the Moroccan goalkeeper Youssef el Motie. The victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time Sundowns secured success against Wydad in a knockout tie.
The win, earning Sundowns four million dollars, equivalent to winning the South African league five times, was met with emotional celebrations.
Coach Rulani Mokwena expressed gratitude to the fans and players, acknowledging the magnitude of the achievement and the joy it brought after past heartbreaks against Wydad.
The match, attended by football dignitaries Infantino and Motsepe, showcased Sundowns’ resilience and skill throughout the competition. The African Football League, featuring eight clubs, aims to expand to 24 clubs for the 2024-2025 season, as CAF continues to elevate and promote football on the continent.
