CAF Champions League
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Wydad Casablanca
Date: 01 February 2020
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Mamelodi Sundowns, who are yet to suffer a group stage defeat, secured top spot in Group C after defeating Morocco giants Wydad Casablanca on Saturday afternoon.
Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane made three changes from the draw at Petro de Luanda, as captain Hlompho Kekana returned alongside Lyle Lakay and Lebohang Maboe.
The Brazilians almost got off to a bad start after they gave away possession cheaply around the box to Zouhair El Moutaraji, who dribbled his way to the near post but his close-range strike was saved by goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
However, the hosts came close to grabbing the lead in the 18th minute after Themba Zwane unleashed a strike from just outside the box that was brilliantly smothered by Wydad shot-stopper Ahmed Tagnaouti at the bottom corner.
Mosimane's troops were getting into their passing rhythm going forward after that but they could not carve out clear openings, with Gaston Sirino particularly closed down whenever he was in a dangerous position.
Sundowns were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Maboe was pushed down inside the box, which allowed Ricardo Nascimento to step and convert from 12-yards out for the opening goal.
After a quiet start to the second half, Masandawana had glorious chance to double their lead in the 72nd minute after Sirino led a counter-attack and played a through ball to Zwane, who went clear on goal but his shot was saved by Tagnaouti with his legs.
Mosimane wanted his side to keep threatening on transitions in the last 15 minutes, as he brought on speedy forward Phakamani Mahlambi in place of forward Maboe.
Sebastien Desabre's charges nearly levelled matters two minutes before time after Kazadi Kasengu connetced with a cross in the box but Onyango pulled off a masive save to parry his effort over the bar as Sundowns held on to claim three points and top spot in the group.
Sundowns also finish the group stage unbeaten as they are likely to avoid the big guns in the quarter-finals now.
Here's how they lined up:
Sundowns: 14. Onyango, 16. Ngcongca, 7. Lakay, 2. Madisha, 3. Nascimento, 15, Jali, 8. Kekana, 18. Zwane, 27. Morena, 10. Sirino, 25. Maboe.
Subs: 1. Mweene, 6. Arendse, 13. Mabunda, 17. Mahlambi, 21. Mkhulise, 11. Vilakazi, 9. Affonso.
