Sundowns see off CRB to match into semis, set up blockbuster Wydad clash
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Mamelodi Sundowns' quest for a second African title remained on course as they beat Algeria’s CR Belouizdad 2-1 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday to storm into the semi-finals of the 2022-23 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
Masandawana had to come from a goal down to earn victory on home soil, progressing 6-2 on aggregate having won the first leg 4-1 away from home last weekend.
Sundowns, winners of the title in 2016, have now set up a mouthwatering semi-final date against defending champions Wydad Athletic Club, who progressed to the last four on Friday evening after edging out Tanzania’s Simba 4-3 on post-match penalties.
Coming into the return fixture, the Algerians were under pressure to win by a margin of more than four goals to progress, while Sundowns only needed to avoid defeat or at worse, lose 2-0.
Belouizdad started well and they broke the deadlock after 24 minutes when Sofiane Bouchar finished from a corner.
The home side however battled and drew level at the stroke of halftime when Themba ‘Mshishi’ Zwane scored with a delightful finish after picking up a pass from Thapelo Morena.
Sundowns turned the tie into their favour four minutes into the second half, Morena turning from provider to scorer, heading home a well taken cross from Khuliso Mudau.
The Algerians tried to bulk up in a fight for the remaining minutes of the game, but Downs did enough to see off the tie.
