The second legs of the 2022/23 Caf Champions League quarterfinals showcased passion and quality as Wydad AC, Esperance, Ahly and Sundowns sailed through to the semi stage.
The four sides, all former holders of the prestigious African title will battle it out for a spot in the final with all eyes firm on the little details and making their experience count.
Wydad comeback
Defending champions Wydad Athletic Club beat Simba 1-0 in Casablanca to equal their 1-0 deficit in Tanzania.
Senegalese forward Bouly Junior Sambou scored with a powerful header in the 24th minute and Wydad held on till full time.
The hosts then beat Simba on penalties 4-3 on penalties after misses from Shomari Kapombe and Clatous Chama.
What a beautiful sight 😍❤️🤍#DimaWydad pic.twitter.com/GAbXrWGatt
— Wydad Athletic Club (@WACofficiel) April 29, 2023
Dominant Masandawana
On Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns continued their dominance over CR Beloiuzdad as they came from a goal down to win 2-1 in South Africa.
After winning the first leg 4-1, Masandawana put light effort in attacking their opponents and controlled the game’s tempo in the early stages.
But they were stunned by Sofiar Bouchar’s header from the corner kick by Youcef Laoufi in the 24th minute.
With that in mind, Sundowns retaliated in the latter stages of the first half.
Themba Zwane’s low strike went past Alexis Guendouz who was in goal for the Algerian side.
The 45th minute goal calmed the team as they went into the break.
Sundowns then struck early after recess with Thapelo Morena’s effort and held on till full time, winning the tie 6-2 on aggregate.
M🤩🤩D!#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/d42hji0wry
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 29, 2023
Tunisia’s torchbearer
Esperance de Tunis shared the spoils with JS Kabylie with a 1-1 result in Tunisia.
Mohammed Ali Romdhane broke the deadlock in the 49th minute for the Black and Gold but Adem Redjem gave hope to Kabylie with an 85th minute leveller.
The visitors gave their all to grab their second but Esperance showed a positive mindset in holding on with the draw.
Encore un Tifo légendaire de la Curva Sud 🔥❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/FLj5QHegFF
— ᴀʜᴍᴇᴅʟᴀɴ☪︎ɪᴇɴ (@Ahmedlancien) April 29, 2023
It’s Ahly… again!
Another draw happened in Morocco as Raja Casablanca filed to overturn Al Ahly’s 2-0 win in Egypt seven days ago.
The Green and Whites even missed a penalty in the first half. Raja looked better than the first leg in the opening minutes but against Ahly, accuracy only wins.
Two shots on target for Raja meant it was a humongous hurdle against the ten-time Champions League winners.
Semi-final Ticket Secured ✅
Good Night 😴 pic.twitter.com/k5ikp3W0YN— Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) April 30, 2023
The semis
In the semifinals, Wydad AC faces Mamelodi Sundowns while Al Ahly play Esperance de Tunis.
