CAF Champions League defending champions Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday clinched their spots in the semifinals of Africa’s premier club competition.Sundowns reached the last four after a tense penalty shootout victory over Young Africans of Tanzania following a barren draw in regulation time while the Egyptian giants reached the stage after a 2-0 win over Simba SC also from Tanzania thanks to goals by Omar El-Sulaya and Mahmoud Kahraba at Cairo International Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8014493##Al Ahly will now face the winner of the match between TP Mazembe and Petro de Luanda in the semi-finals of the competition, as they seek to retain the title.The Cairo-based side displayed their dominance from the outset, seeking an early breakthrough to unsettle their opponents. French striker Antony Modeste threatened Simba’s defense throughout the match.Modeste came close in the 22nd minute, only for the referee to disallow the goal for an offside call against his teammate, El Shahat, who provided the assist.Despite Simba’s attempts to advance and create opportunities, they found themselves thwarted by Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobier, who made crucial saves to keep his team’s goal intact.Gor Mahia, Kakamega Homeboyz highlight Saturday action as FKF Premier League returnsAl Ahly broke the deadlock early in the second half when Omar El-Sulaya capitalized on a chance in the 47th minute, firing a powerful shot past Simba’s Moroccan goalkeeper, Ayoub Lakred, to give his side a 1-0 lead.Simba intensified their attacks in search of an equalizer, but their efforts were in vain.In stoppage time, Al Ahly was awarded a penalty after El Shahat was fouled inside the box.Kahraba stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly converted it in the 90+6th minute, sealing a 2-0 victory for Al Ahly over Simba SC.NSL: Promotion supremacy continues with Mathare United, Nairobi, and Naivas in actionIn South Africa, Sundowns had to dig deep to overcome their resilient Tanzanian opponents, with the match culminating in a goalless draw after extra time.The dramatic shootout unfolded, ultimately ending 3-2 in favors of Sundowns.Young Africans proved to be formidable adversaries, fiercely contesting every ball and frustrating their South African counterparts.Despite relentless pressure from Sundowns, the Tanzanian side held firm, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams particularly influential in keeping his team in the game.A pivotal moment came in the 51st minute when Ivorian forward Joseph Guede squandered a golden opportunity to break the deadlock, failing to beat the vigilant Williams in a one-on-one situation.Despite mounting pressure, Young Africans remained resolute, with their defensive line standing firm against waves of Sundowns attacks.𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢: 𝐈 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧Mamelodi Sundowns Head Coach Rulani Mokwena responds to Yanga’s Coach’s comments on their supposedly #robbed goal. #MamelodiSundowns #Yanga #Rhulani pic.twitter.com/lyKYcjs1oj— Selebalo Karabo Phasha (@TheeSportsGuy01) April 5, 2024 The deadlock persisted until the penalty shootout, where Williams emerged as the hero, saving two crucial spot-kicks to propel Sundowns to victory.The triumph marks another milestone for Williams, who was named the best goalkeeper in the recent TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire 2023.With their place secured in the final, Sundowns now await the winner of the clash between ASEC Mimosas and Esperane.
