Sundowns Make AFL Final Thanks to Ronwen Williams' Save From the Penalty Spot

• Mamelodi Sundowns' Ronwen Williams had a shaky night but saved the chance that mattered
• The Brazilians have progressed to the African Football League final after edging past Al Ahly
• The Egyptians dominated the stats but could not find an aggregate equaliser across 90 minutes

South Africa's hopes are hanging on by the thinnest of threads. Mamelodi Sundowns are into the final of the African Football League (AFL) after edging past a dominant but blunt Al Ahly in Cairo.

The final will be played over two legs, with the Brazilians up against Wydad Casablanca in a repeat of the dramatic 2022/2023 CAF Champions League semi-final.

The second leg's defining moment came in the first 10 minutes when Sundowns were penalised after goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams was adjudged to have collided late with Percy Tau.

Ali Maâloul stepped up to put the Egyptian giants level on aggregate but the Brazilians' keeper went the right way, getting a strong hand to the well-hit shot to deflect it past his left-hand post.

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The remainder of the second half was dominated by Al Ahly, who would have several chances thanks to a few fumbles by Williams.

Tau had the best chance of the half for his side, crashing his shot from 12 yards out into the crossbar after a smart cross into the box.

There was drama late on as Junior Mendieta was shown a red card for striking an Al Ahly knee with his studs in the final 10 minutes.

Over 90 minutes, Al Ahly would have 16 shots of goal as opposed to Sundowns' two. Despite the lopsided match stats, the South Africans kept a necessary clean sheet to progress to the final.

The first leg of the last round will be played in Casablanca on November 5, with the return leg in Tshwane seven days later.

Inaugural AFL winners to be crowned

Sports Brief recently reported on the dynamics and logistics of the newly created African Football League.

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This included what it entailed,participating teams, prize money and the format for the inaugural tourney.

The competition is rumoured to have been conceived and introduced by FIFA president, Gianni Infantino.