Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly played out a tightly contested 0-0 draw in Match Round 1 of the CAF Champions League, with both teams showcasing resilience and quality in a match that promised much but ultimately ended in a stalemate.
The match began with a high tempo as both teams looked to stamp their authority early on. Mamelodi Sundowns, playing at home, enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening exchanges, with Al Ahly content to sit back and absorb the pressure. The Sundowns’ midfield duo of Kekana and Mabunda dictated play, spraying passes and looking to unlock the Al Ahly defense.
However, Al Ahly’s defensive organization was evident as they repelled the Sundowns’ attacks with ease. The Egyptian side, known for their tactical discipline, remained compact and limited the Sundowns to long-range efforts that failed to trouble the Al Ahly goalkeeper.
As the match progressed, Al Ahly grew into the game and started to create chances of their own. The pace and trickery of their wingers caused problems for the Sundowns’ defense, but the home side’s backline held firm, with goalkeeper Onyango making crucial saves to keep the scores level.
The second half saw both teams adopt a cautious approach, wary of committing too many players forward and leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. The midfield battle intensified, with neither side willing to give an inch, resulting in a cagey affair with few clear-cut opportunities.
In the closing stages of the match, Mamelodi Sundowns pushed forward in search of a winner, but Al Ahly’s defense stood firm to secure a hard-fought point on the road. The match ended 0-0, with both teams taking away valuable lessons and positives from a tightly contested encounter.
Overall, it was a well-fought match between two quality sides, showcasing the competitive nature of African club football. Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures, while Al Ahly will take confidence from their defensive solidity as they aim to progress in the CAF Champions League.
Line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns
- Ronwen Hayden Williams (7.3)
- Khuliso Johnson Mudau (6)
- Gomolemo Grant Kekana (7.2)
- Mosa Spection Lebusa (6.9)
- Aubrey Maphosa Modiba (7.2)
- Marcelo Iván Allende Bravo (6.5)
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa (6.6)
- Tashreeq Matthews (7.2)
- Teboho Mokoena (7.2)
- Jayden Oswin Adams (6.6)
- Peter Taanyanda Shalulile (6.9)
Al Ahly
Substitutions:
Mamelodi Sundowns
- Iqraam Rayners (Peter Taanyanda Shalulile, 62)
- Arthur de Oliveira Sales (Tashreeq Matthews, 62)
- Asekho Tiwani (Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, 90)
Al Ahly
- Akram Tawfik Mohamed Hassan El Hagrasi (Ahmed Reda Hashem, 89)
- Achraf Bencharki (Nejc Gradišar, 90)
Ball possession:
In a commanding display of possession, Mamelodi Sundowns asserted their dominance with an impressive 72% share of the ball against Al Ahly, who struggled to gain a foothold with just 28%. Despite their control of the game, Mamelodi Sundowns’ efficiency in front of goal left much to be desired, managing only 1 shot on target out of their 8 attempts. The standout performer in terms of shooting for Mamelodi Sundowns was Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who was a constant threat to the Al Ahly defense.
On the other hand, Al Ahly showcased a more clinical edge in their attacking play, registering 10 shots on target with 3 finding the back of the net. Emam Ashour Metwally Abdelghany was the standout player for Al Ahly, demonstrating his prowess in front of goal with accurate finishing that troubled the Mamelodi Sundowns’ defense.
Despite the disparity in possession and shooting statistics, both teams put on a spirited display, with Al Ahly’s efficiency proving to be the decisive factor in securing victory. The match was a testament to the importance of converting chances into goals, as Al Ahly emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter that showcased the best of African football.
Passes:
In a thrilling encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, it was Gomolemo Grant Kekana who stole the show with his impeccable passing accuracy of 95%. The midfielder orchestrated the play with precision, completing 87 passes to keep the Sundowns’ attack ticking.
On the other side, Marwan Attia Fahim Ghallab of Al Ahly struggled to find his rhythm, managing a pass accuracy of 67% from his 28 passes. The midfielder faced tough opposition from the Sundowns’ defense, limiting his impact on the game.
Aubrey Maphosa Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns showcased his creativity with 2 key passes, unlocking the Al Ahly defense with his vision and technique. His ability to find his teammates in dangerous positions posed a constant threat to the opposition.
Emam Ashour Metwally Abdelghany of Al Ahly, on the other hand, provided 3 key passes to his teammates, displaying his playmaking abilities and creating opportunities in the final third. Despite the tough competition, Emam managed to influence the game with his passing prowess.
Overall, Gomolemo Grant Kekana’s exceptional passing accuracy and Aubrey Maphosa Modiba’s creativity were instrumental in Mamelodi Sundowns’ performance, securing a well-deserved victory in this intense match against Al Ahly.
Defense:
Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly clashed in a tense battle on the pitch, with a strong focus on defensive actions making a significant impact on the match. The defensive prowess of both teams was on full display as they fought tooth and nail to keep their opponents at bay.
Mamelodi Sundowns showed resilience in their defensive efforts, making a total of 8 interceptions throughout the game. Leading the interception charts for the South African side was Khuliso Johnson Mudau, who displayed great anticipation and positional awareness with 3 crucial interceptions. Gomolemo Grant Kekana also made a notable contribution with 2 interceptions, showcasing his defensive acumen.
On the other hand, Al Ahly exhibited a stellar defensive performance, registering a total of 14 interceptions during the match. Achraf Dari stood out for the Egyptian outfit, making 3 key interceptions to disrupt Mamelodi Sundowns’ attacking plays. Dari’s defensive instincts and reading of the game were instrumental in thwarting the opposition’s advances.
In terms of blocks, Mamelodi Sundowns managed to block 3 shots from Al Ahly, with Gomolemo Grant Kekana leading the charge with 2 crucial blocks. Al Ahly, on the other hand, only recorded 1 block, courtesy of Achraf Dari, who showcased his defensive versatility by making a timely intervention.
Overall, both teams demonstrated their defensive solidity and determination to nullify the opposition’s attacking threat. The battle of interceptions and blocks added an intriguing layer to the match, highlighting the importance of defensive discipline and tactical awareness in high-stakes encounters.
The match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly was a testament to the art of defending, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess through well-timed interceptions and crucial blocks. The defensive actions of players like Khuliso Johnson Mudau and Achraf Dari proved pivotal in shaping the outcome of the game, underscoring the significance of a solid defensive foundation in football.
Face-to-face:
In a highly anticipated clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, the face-to-face duels for the ball took center stage as the two teams battled it out on the pitch. The leaders in this aspect were Mosa Spection Lebusa from Mamelodi Sundowns, who engaged in 6 intense battles for possession, and Marwan Attia Fahim Ghallab from Al Ahly, who dominated with an impressive 12 face-to-face fights for the ball.
The match kicked off with both teams showing great determination and skill, with Lebusa and Ghallab setting the tone for their respective sides. Lebusa’s tenacity and defensive prowess were on full display as he fought tooth and nail to win back possession for Mamelodi Sundowns, while Ghallab’s relentless energy and tactical awareness proved to be a key asset for Al Ahly.
As the game progressed, the intensity of the face-to-face duels only increased, with Lebusa and Ghallab leading by example for their teammates. Their ability to read the game, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and execute crucial challenges were instrumental in shaping the flow of the match.
Despite their best efforts, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly ultimately played out a hard-fought draw, with both teams showcasing their strength and resilience throughout the game. The battle between Lebusa and Ghallab added an extra layer of excitement and drama to the match, highlighting the importance of these face-to-face duels in shaping the outcome of the game.
In conclusion, Mosa Spection Lebusa and Marwan Attia Fahim Ghallab’s outstanding performances in the face-to-face duels exemplified the competitive spirit and determination of both Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly. Their leadership on the pitch was a testament to their skill and commitment, making them standout players in a thrilling encounter between two top teams.
Fouls:
- Aubrey Maphosa Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 69 minute
- Marcelo Iván Allende Bravo (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 78 minute
- Achraf Bencharki (Al Ahly) at 90 minute
Yellow cards:
The last five games (including this match):
- Mamelodi Sundowns –
- Al Ahly –
Top 5 CAF Champions League scorers:
- Ibrahim Adel Ali Mohamed Hassan (2, [])
- Fiston Kalala Mayele (2, )
- Joël Beya Tumetuka (1, )
- Mohamed Hany Gamal Eldemerdash (1, )
- Mohau Nkota (1, )
Next games:
- Mamelodi Sundowns will play with Al Ahly. April 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on Cairo International Stadium.
- Al Ahly will play with Mamelodi Sundowns. April 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on Cairo International Stadium.
