Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was once again the focal point in Friday’s 2nd leg tie between Mamelodi Sundowns and Young Africans as his two smart penalty stops secured a place in the semi-final for his side at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Following a 0-0 stalemate in the first leg between the two continental giants at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have an enviable home record in this season’s CAF Champions league of conceding no goal thus far, were the much fancied side to advance to the last four.
However, Young Africans gave a good account of themselves, similar to the display at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in the first leg, with the Tanzanian-based side matching Sundowns stride for stride in a pulsating encounter.
The tactical acumen of both managers was on display as the teams headed into the break on level pegging. Nonetheless, just before the hour mark, the most controversial incident unfolded in the game; Aziz Ki picked up the ball just a little after the halfway line before running at Sundowns defense and laying the ball into the path of Kennedy Musonda whose cut back found Aziz, with the former’s strike coming of the underside of the bar and into the net.
The extent and magnitude to which Aziz’s fine strike had crossed the line was being reviewed by the Video Assistant referees(VAR) as there was uncertainty if the whole circumference of the ball had crossed the line entirely.
Upon VAR’s intervention, the referee Beida Dahane was pleased with his initial on-field decision and waved off any Young Africans appeal for a possible goal.
Although the game did come alive after that occurrence, neither side managed to nick ahead in regulation time and had to go the mile into the gut-wrenching penalty shootout.
Aziz Ki, who was at the heart of the controversial decision that left both benches aggravated, stepped up and had his attempt thwarted by Ronwen Williams, setting the tone for the shootout.
Ultimately, Ronwen Williams, who became a National hero two months ago in Ivory Coast as he etched his name into the annals of the African Cup of Nations as the first goalkeeper to save 4 penalties in a shootout, was once again a hero for his club as he produced two outstanding stops to ensure the 2016 CAF Champions League Winners keep their dreams of securing a second continental trophy alive.
The 3-2 shootout win for Sundowns means the South African based side extend their 35 unbeaten home run in all competitions to 36, despite failing to score a goal in both legs against Young Africans; the first time in the history of the club.
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Story by : Andrews Sefa Bamfo | univers.ug.edu.gh
