The Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory over Wydad Casablanca in the African Football League final has left a psychological wound on the Moroccan team. This was evident in their recent loss to Jwaneng Galaxy and their current position at the bottom of the table in the CAF Champions League. Galaxy’s victory against Wydad was a milestone moment for the Botswana Premier League Champions, but not without controversy. The battle lines in the CAF Champions League have been redrawn, and the question now is who will emerge triumphant and who will face defeat in this high-stakes game.
Wydad Casablanca struggles to recover from their loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the African Football League final, which has left a psychological wound on the team. The impact of their defeat was evident in their recent loss to Jwaneng Galaxy and their current position at the bottom of the table in the CAF Champions League. On the other hand, Galaxy’s victory against Wydad was a milestone moment for the Botswana Premier League Champions.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Victory and its Impact
An eruption of joy occurred on the field on November 12, 2023, as the Mamelodi Sundowns’ squad celebrated their 3-2 aggregate win over Wydad Casablanca in the African Football League (AFL) final. Little did they understand at the moment how deep a psychological wound they had inflicted on their adversaries. Today, even more than a fortnight later, the victory cheer of the Sundowns continues to echo hauntingly in the Moroccans’ minds, an unwanted ghost from the past.
Adel Ramzi, Wydad’s coach, has admitted his team is still wrestling with the specters of their previous loss. The victory of the Sundowns has not only tarnished the Moroccans’ track record but imposed its imprint on their mindset, leading to their recent 0-1 defeat to Jwaneng Galaxy on November 25, 2023. Morena Ramorebolli, the South African coach of Galaxy, has deepened Wydad’s difficulties, successfully emulating his Sundowns’ compatriot Rulani Mokoena.
Wydad’s Struggle and Galaxy’s Milestone
The unexpected triumph of the Botswana Premier League Champions over Wydad was part of the CAF Champions League Group B encounter. The solitary goal of the match, netted by Thabang Sesinyi in the 33rd minute, jolted the stadium, leaving the hosts in disbelief. This outcome has left Wydad at the rock bottom of the table, disheartened and empty-handed, while Galaxy confidently occupies the top spot with an earned three points.
Ramzi attributes their recent failure to their past encounter with Sundowns. During the initial leg of the AFL final, the Moroccans appeared hopeful, even intimidating, as they outperformed the DStv Premier League holders 2-1 on their home ground. However, in a dramatic reversal of fortunes, the Sundowns launched a splendid comeback, winning the decisive second-leg fixture 2-0 in Pretoria, thereby securing the debut AFL title.
Their loss to the Sundowns still weighs heavily on the Wydad squad, as Ramzi conceded in a post-match conversation quoted on the CAF website. “It seems the team members haven’t yet recovered from the African League disappointment… and their appetite for the game isn’t what it used to be,” he remarked.
Rising from the Ashes and Redrawing Battle Lines
Ramzi’s declaration reflected a prevailing sense of defeat and regret, acknowledging that the team’s performance fell short of expectations. However, he expressed optimism that Wydad would rebound from the crushing defeat in their upcoming match against Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosa. According to him, quickly shrugging off the haunting memory of the Sundowns’ victory is crucial for the team’s spirit.
For Galaxy, the win against Wydad wasn’t merely a victory; it was a landmark moment. This was their inaugural triumph in the group stage of the Champions League after their second attempt. Nevertheless, the win wasn’t devoid of controversy. After the match in Morocco, Galaxy’s coach Ramorebolli stormed out of a press conference, accusing the media of disrespect.
Meanwhile, the Sundowns aren’t letting the celebration end in the Champions League. The Pretoria-based squad recently dominated Nouadhbou with an impressive 3-0 score on Sunday. As Wydad struggles to cope with their successive losses, it’s evident that the battle lines in the CAF Champions League have been redrawn, and the bar has been raised. The question that now remains is: who will emerge triumphant, and who will face defeat in this high-stakes game?
1. What was the result of the African Football League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca?
Mamelodi Sundowns emerged victorious over Wydad Casablanca in the African Football League final with a 3-2 aggregate win.
2. How has Wydad Casablanca been affected by their loss to Mamelodi Sundowns?
Wydad Casablanca has been struggling to recover from their loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, which has left a psychological wound on the team. It was evident in their recent loss to Jwaneng Galaxy and their current position at the bottom of the table in the CAF Champions League.
3. What was controversial about Jwaneng Galaxy’s victory over Wydad?
Jwaneng Galaxy’s victory over Wydad in the CAF Champions League Group B encounter wasn’t devoid of controversy. After the match in Morocco, Galaxy’s coach Ramorebolli stormed out of a press conference, accusing the media of disrespect.
4. What milestone did Jwaneng Galaxy achieve with their victory over Wydad?
Jwaneng Galaxy achieved their inaugural triumph in the group stage of the Champions League after their second attempt with their win over Wydad.
5. How did Mamelodi Sundowns perform in their recent game against Nouadhbou?
Mamelodi Sundowns dominated Nouadhbou with an impressive 3-0 score.
6. What is the current state of the battle lines in the CAF Champions League?
The battle lines in the CAF Champions League have been redrawn, and the question now is who will emerge triumphant and who will face defeat in this high-stakes game, as the bar has been raised.
