Wydad made a big step toward winning the African Football League’s inaugural edition.
Wydad AC defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the first leg of the Africa Football League’s final. A tight battle saw the Moroccan giants edge out their opponents at Mohamed V Stadium.
The two sides were reluctant to risk going forward in the first half an hour. But the hosts increased the pressure on Sundowns’ backline as the first half went on. Wydad finally broke the deadlock through Rivaldo Coetzee’s own goal in the 41st minute.
Sundowns immediately started their efforts to get back into the game after the break. But they had to wait until the 74th minute to score the equalizer through Abdelmounaim Boutouil’s penalty.
Wydad needed only four minutes to restore their lead, securing their victory with a stunning goal from Anas Serrhat. The 27-year-old latched onto a poorly-cleared ball on the edge of the box before smashing it past Sundowns’ keeper with a powerful strike.
The goal won the final’s first half for Wydad but the two sides still have 90 more minutes to play to determine AFL’s first champions. Sundowns will host Wydad in the second leg on November 12.
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