)
Sundowns face potential CAF Champions League exit after failing to secure a win against Al Ahly in crucial home clash.
Record African champions Al Ahly put up a brave display in a goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The encounter marked the 17th clash between these continental giants, with both teams evenly matched across their history—five wins apiece and six stalemates. Their most recent face-off came in the 2023 African Football League semi-finals, where Sundowns narrowly progressed with a 1-0 aggregate victory.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News
)
17:30 - 18.04.2025
Shock as Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Linked With Surprise Exit
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has been tipped for a coaching role with with former club.
In response to last week’s defeat against Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso opted for a reshuffle. Aubrey Modiba, Mosa Lebusa, Jayden Adams, and Tashreeq Matthews were all brought into the starting eleven, replacing Divine Lunga, Lucas Suarez, Bathusi Aubaas, and Iqraam Rayners.
)
Midfield powerhouse Teboho Mokoena, fresh from scoring a screamer the previous weekend, tried his luck again from the edge of the area but dragged his shot just wide of Mohamed El Shenawy’s post.
Al Ahly remained composed under pressure and nearly broke the deadlock when Emam Ashour curled a strike that forced Ronwen Williams into a sharp save.
The Sundowns shot-stopper had to stay alert minutes later, this time diving across goal to stop a powerful header from the ever-dangerous Ashour.
)
17:41 - 18.04.2025
Percy Tau: Why South African Forward Risks Losing Multi-million Contract In Qatar
South African forward Percy Tau joined Qatari club Qatar SC in January but he could be on his way out soon given a number of clauses tied to his multi-million contract.
The hosts were lucky not to fall behind just before the break, as Nejc Gradisar’s instinctive header clipped the upright with Williams stranded.
Sundowns came out of the tunnel with renewed purpose, and Peter Shalulile nearly broke the deadlock shortly after the restart, but his effort flew agonizingly wide of the target.
)
The best opportunity of the match fell to Tashreeq Matthews in the 53rd minute. His thunderous volley had Mohamed Elshenawy well beaten, only to crash off the underside of the crossbar and bounce clear.
Elshenawy was called into action again 13 minutes later, producing a sharp save to deny Shalulile, who had been cleverly slipped in behind by Jayden Adams.
)
08:47 - 19.04.2025
South African Fans Call for Benni McCarthy to Return Home for Upcoming Club Role
South Africa fans want Benni McCarthy to assume the coaching role that will be made available in the summer.
With 10 minutes to play, coach Miguel Cardoso introduced the pacey Themba Zwane in search of a late winner, but the Al Ahly backline held firm as both sides settled for a goalless draw in a tightly contested semi-final.
How they lined up
Mamelodi Sundowns: Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Mosa Lebusa, Aubrey Modiba, Lucas Ribeiro, Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews, Grant Kekana, Khuliso Mudau, Jayden Adams, Peter Shalulile
Al Ahly: Mohamed Elshenawy, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Nejc Gradišar, Marawan Attia, Achraf Dari, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Reda, Moustafa El Aash, Taher Mohamed Taher, Mohamed Hany
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)