The atmosphere at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca will be electric on Saturday as Wydad AC, the reigning Moroccan and African club champions, face off against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semifinal clash.
Despite a tumultuous season, Wydad has maintained their strong form in the Champions League. However, they now face a confident Sundowns team led by new head coach Sven Vandenbroeck, who will need to navigate multiple injuries within the squad.
Vandenbroeck, the third coach for Wydad this season, had a winning start to his tenure with a 3-1 victory over Chabab Mohammédia in Morocco’s Botola Pro last weekend. Despite the high-pressure situation, the Belgian coach brings valuable experience, and Wydad’s performance was encouraging. Vandenbroeck acknowledges that Sundowns is the strongest team among the four semifinalists but believes his players are familiar with their opponents, and the match will be decided by small details. Wydad has previously defeated Sundowns twice in the knockout stage of the Champions League in the past five years.
However, Wydad is grappling with several significant injuries, including regular goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnouti, defender Amine Farhane, and midfielder Ismail Moutaraji. Veteran midfielder Jalal Daoudi is also doubtful for the first leg. Backup goalkeeper Youssef El Motie has performed well since replacing Tagnouti, with only one defeat in eight matches (a 1-0 loss to Simba).
The defensive line will be led by Algerian national team defender Houcine Benayada, alongside Congolese central defender Arsène Zola and left-back Yahya Attiyat Allah, a participant in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In midfield, Reda Jaadi will need to step up in the absence of Daoudi. The attacking roles will be filled by Mohammed Ounajem, Hicham Boussefiane, Zouheir El Moutaraji, Saifeddine Bouhrati, and Muaid Ellafi, who will support Aymane El Hassouni and powerful striker Bouly Junior Sambou.
Mamelodi Sundowns faced concerns about their form ahead of the Champions League quarterfinals after a four-match winless streak. However, head coach Rhulani Mokwena’s team easily dispatched CR Belouizdad from Algeria, continuing their dominant Champions League run with an unbeaten record of 35 goals in 10 matches. Sundowns had an impressive 2-2 draw against Al Ahly in Cairo during the group stage, followed by a dominant 5-2 victory in Pretoria. Mokwena draws confidence from his team’s positive experience in Cairo and emphasizes the importance of adapting to the atmosphere in Casablanca.
Sundowns’ best result against Wydad at their home ground was a goalless draw during the group stage of the 2019-20 Champions League. However, Mokwena’s team is eager and more than capable of finding the net on Saturday. The lineup from their 2-0 victory against Marumo Gallants last weekend is likely to be Mokwena’s preferred choice, with prolific scorer Peter Shalulile leading the attack. Neo Maema and Themba Zwane will provide attacking creativity, supported by central midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule.
All eyes will be on Ronwen Williams, the goalkeeper for both Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team, as he aims to avoid any mistakes that have occurred in previous matches this season. Mothobi Mvala and Moroccan Abdelmounaim Boutouil appear likely to be the central defenders flanked by quick full backs Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau on the left and right respectively.
