CAFCL: Late own goal sees Sundowns vanquish Al Ahly for place in the final

Photo Credit: Al Ahly SC

Mamelodi Sundowns are through to the final of the CAF Champions League after a 1-1 second leg draw in Cairo saw the South African champions advance past Al Ahly via away goals.

After five consecutive finals appearances in Africa's top club competitions, Al Ahly were denied a sixth consecutive place after Yasser Ibrahim inadvertently turned into his own goal in the 90th minute.

It appeared that the Egyptian giants had done enough when Taher Mohamed's powerful strike in the first half opened the scoring in the series after a 0-0 first leg draw in South Africa. Emam Ashour's run and pass set up the attacker for a brilliant finish past Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

But Sundowns continued to push against a defensive Ahly formation and began to create opportunities in the second half. Brazilian playmaker Lucas Ribeiro created loads of danger for the Ahly defense and it appeared that Sundowns had a good shout for a penalty kick around the hour mark. However, after a VAR review, no penalty was issued in favor of the visitors.

But in the end it did not matter. A hopeful 90th minute cross bounced dangerously in the Ahly penalty area and Ibrahim could not get his feet right as the ball ricocheted quickly off the back of his heel and past a helpless Mohamed El Shenawy in the Ahly goal.

Now Sundowns await the winner of the second semifinal second leg on Friday where Pyramids FC host Orlando Pirates, also in Cairo.