The semi-finals first leg of the African Football League kept all their promises this Sunday, with surprising results and exciting encounters. The South Africans of Mamelodi Sundowns created a surprise by winning 1-0 against the Egyptians of Al Ahly, while Wydad Casablanca took over Esperance Tunis with the same score.
In the first match of the day, Mamelodi Sundowns managed to surprise the reigning CAF Champions League champions, Al Ahly. Despite a balanced start to the match, it was the South Africans who opened the scoring thanks to Thapelo Maseko, with an unstoppable cross strike. Sundowns then managed to maintain their advantage until the end of the match, despite Al Ahly’s attempts to react. This victory constitutes a real achievement for Mamelodi Sundowns, who will have to confirm in the return match to qualify for the final.
In the other meeting of the day, Wydad Casablanca managed to take the advantage over Esperance Tunis. After a balanced start to the match, it was the Moroccans who opened the scoring thanks to Hicham Boussefiane, following a perfectly measured curling cross. Despite the Tunisians’ attempts to react, Wydad was able to preserve its advantage until the end of the match. This victory gives the Moroccans a good option for the return match, but they will have to remain focused to hope to qualify for the final.
These first leg semi-finals have therefore reserved their share of surprises and suspense, with results which leave everything open for the return matches. The teams will now have to prepare as best they can for these decisive meetings, where each error could be costly. The spectacle is guaranteed and supporters should expect intense and contested matches until the last minute.
In conclusion, the semi-finals first leg of the African Football League produced exciting matches and surprising results. Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca managed to gain the advantage over their respective opponents, but nothing is over yet. The return matches promise to be thrilling and the teams will have to surpass themselves to hope to qualify for the final. To be followed closely !