On Friday night, Mamelodi Sundowns travelled to Rabat to face Wydad Casablanca for the third time this season in the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg. Four key tactical factors in Sundowns' 2-1 loss were as follows:
- Downs fail to control Wydad left
- Kekana and Mabunda shut down
- Wydad hold aerial advantage
- Downs use their pace
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Downs Fail to Control Wydad left
When Pitso Mosimane received a report of Wydad from his analysts, one key area to nullify could have been the home side's left flank. At left back was Mohamed Nahiri, who is amongst the top scorers in the competition this year with five goals and managed to score both home and away against Sundowns in the group stages. He pushed forward constantly in the game, linking well with winger Ismael El Haddad. The latter picked up two assists and gave Anele Ngcongca and Ricardo Nascimento an evening to forget. Thankfully for Masandawana, Nahiri is suspended for the second leg.
Kekana and Mabunda Shut Down
Knowing the threat posed by Hlompho Kekana's long-range passing and Tiyani Mabunda's ability to recycle possession, Wydad closed the duo down very aggressively. The opening goal arrived when Mabunda played a loose pass under pressure, whilst other sloppy moments led to chances for the home side. Salaheddine Saidi's goal came after he had helped to defend in his own half, and then ran off the back of Kekana to finish inside the box. This was not an evening to remember for the Downs captain.
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Wydad Hold Aerial Advantage
The home side started very strongly and had two early chances from corners. They also forced good openings from long throws into their box. Wydad were not concerned by pretty football, but instead by hurting Sundowns in any way possible. With their physical defenders coming forward and attacking players like Nigerian striker, Michael Babatunde, the home side dominated Sundowns in the air. At the other end, Sundowns used clever, short corners to avoid aerial challenges and scored the equaliser via this route.
Downs Use Their Pace
For this game, Sundowns used more direct, fast attacks against the Wydad backline. Thapelo Morena played as a winger, and Phakamani Mahlambi was introduced to add more pace from the bench. In the home leg, Sundowns may revert to their quick interplay and use Sibusiso Vilakazi to link up with Themba Zwane and Gaston Sirino, with Thapelo Morena dropping to right back.
Do you think Mamelodi Sundowns will progress to the final? Which players will be crucial for Sundowns in the second leg? Let us know by commenting below.
