Wydad's coach on what enabled them book final ticket at Sundowns' expense

© Mamelodi Sundowns

CAF CL Wydad's coach on what enabled them book final ticket at Sundowns' expense

Festus Chuma 20:46 - 20.05.2023

Wydad will face Al Ahly of Egypt in the two-legged final next month.

Wydad Casablanca head coach Sven Vandenbroeck has lauded the experience his side showed in their 2-2 draw against Mamelodi Sundown on Saturday afternoon.

The Moroccan side booked their place in the CAF Champions League final, keeping their hopes of retaining the title having sailed through on the away goal rule.

While Wydad were a confident bunch going into the game, Sundowns had a point to prove, which required Vandenbroeck charges to dig deep as they came twice from behind against the favorites.

“First half we wanted to save energy with a low block and come out surprise them in the beginning of the second half,” he said in an interview with SuperSport TV.

“I think my players did very well and I think in the end it’s experience that makes the difference.

“Maybe Sundowns in the game over the two legs they were better than us, but our experience and especially mentality made the difference in the end.”

Sundowns goals from Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile were canceled out by headers from Ayoub el-Amloud and painfully Mothobi Mvala turned the ball into his own net.

“They went ahead and we come back, its two sides. That’s the mental part of football. We also trained on the last 10 minutes, if we had to score. So you could see what the boys were doing.

“I’m very happy we succeeded. Unlucky for the fans here, they came out in numbers. But I think these year, the three teams, Sundowns, Wydad and Al Ahly, made the Champions League [more interesting].”

Wydad will have the chance to defend their African crown against Al Ahly in the two-legged final, with the matches set for June 4 and 11.