Mamelodi Sundowns are the 2017 CAF Super Cup Champions. “The Brazilians” beat defending champions TP Mazembe 1-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium to bag the maiden title on Saturday.
The only goal of the tightly contested encounter was delivered through Nascimento Ricardo’s 84th minute penalty after skipper Hlompho Kekana was brought down the forbidden area.
Mazembe, 3-times winners were largely subdued in match and for the better part of the match had to contend with a barrage of attacks from the African Champions.
However, they will have to pinch themselves for failing to convert what was probably the best, and most open chance for the game’s opener in the 9th minute, when prodigy Ben Malango failed his cool – hitting the post twice with just the keeper Denis Onyango to beat.
The show afterwards belonged to the hosts, with Antony Laffor, Percy Tau and Khama Billiat combination giving Jean Kasusula, Salif Coulibaly and Joel Kimwaki defense line a torried time.
The score at half time, nonetheless, remained barren.
The turning point in the game arrived six minutes to the regulation time, when Mazembe’s deputy captain Issama Mpeko pulled down Kekana in the D, with Brazilian Ricardo stepping on the plate to convert from the spot.
Sundowns would subsequently troop back to defend the priceless lead, which earned them their first CAF Super Cup glory, and dash Mazembe’s hopes for a fourth and second on the trot.
Sundowns XI:
Onyango, Arendse, Nascimento, Langerman, Morena, Mabunda, Kekana, Laffor, Billiat, Zwane, Tau #CAFSC
Mazembe XI:
Starting 11: Sylvain GBOHOUO, Djos ISSAMA Joel KIMWAKI Salif Coulibaly, Jean KASUSULA, Nathan Sinkala, Daniel ADJEI, Rainford Kalaba, Solomon Asante, Ben MALANGO, Meschak ELIA
Bench: Ley MATAMPI, Kabaso CHONGO, Christian KOUAME, Given SINGULUMA, Treasure MPUTU, Deo KANDA, Adama TRAORE
