Soccer

Sundowns survive VAR controversy to reach CL semis

Mamelodi Sundowns are via the semifinals of the Caf Champions League following a 3-2 penalty shootout victory towards Young Africans of Tanzania at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

Ronwen Williams saved two penalties as the house staff superior to the final 4 of the competitors. In whole, Yanga missed three of their kicks whereas Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro and Neo Maema made no mistake from the spot to get Masandawana over the road.

Both groups couldn’t be separated over the 2 legs because the tie completed 0-0 on combination. Even the return of Themba Zwane, who was again from suspension, couldn’t encourage the Brazilians to break the cussed Yanga defence.

Before the sport, Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena pleaded with the house help to additionally play their half from stands.

They tried to elevate the gamers in direction of the top of the primary half and it practically paid off within the thirty seventh minute when Thembinkosi Lorch discovered himself via on objective however Yanga goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved effectively along with his ft.

It was the sport’s first clear-cut likelihood in what was a slightly bodily half with each groups preventing for possession. It left referee Beida Dahan with no selection however to brandish two yellow playing cards to the guests.

The opening 45 minutes proved to everybody in attendance that Yanga weren’t in Tshwane to simply play lifeless. Sundowns wanted one thing particular to break them down.

Save by VAR

Masandawana have been saved by VAR after Aziz Ki produced a second brilliance to beat Ronwen Williams with a thunderous effort that hit the underside of the bar and appeared to have cross the road. After session with the video know-how, the referee, nevertheless, dominated that the ball had not crossed the road.

Franses Mzize ought to have put Yanga upfront however he missed a easy faucet in when he solely had Williams to beat in direction of the top of the sport. It was tense within the stands from then on and it was left to dreaded lottery of penalties to resolve the sport.

Williams was the hero as soon as once more for the 2016 champions who will play the winners between Esperance and ASEC Mimosas within the semifinals. ASEC are at residence to Esperance on Saturday, with the 2 sides tied at 0-0 from the primary leg.


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