RABAT, MOROCCO- Mamelodi Sundowns have proven themselves as the most dynamic team in this year’s CAF Champions League, boasting a very attractive style of play. Their stellar performance and compelling style have indeed left a lasting impression on football enthusiasts in Morocco. However, during the last few years, their journey was cut short many times when it mattered the most, raising questions about the effectiveness of the Brazilians’ style of play.
Sundowns’ performances were nothing short of sensational. They claimed a thrilling 5-2 victory over Africa’s Team of the Century Al Ahly, sending a strong message to all competitors. In their bout against Belouizdad, Sundowns continued to impress. They secured a 4-1 away victory against the strongest team in Algeria, underscoring their ability and prowess.
Their group stage results were equally commendable. Sundowns finished as leaders of the “group of death” with 14 points, boasting four wins and two draws. This is a testament to their attractive attacking style of play.
However, the semi-final against Wydad Casablanca proved to be a different story. Wydad proved to be another kettle of fish. Despite a goalless draw in the first leg, where Sundowns fought valiantly even with two players sent off, their journey ended in the second leg. It wasn’t their skills or style of play that fell short, but rather, it seemed their relative inexperience against the more seasoned Wydad team became their undoing. It’s a narrative that reminds us of last year’s Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool, where the former’s experience gave them the edge. The team with the most attractive style of play lost.
Sundowns’ journey, while cut short, is a testament to their potential and the exciting future that lies ahead for the team. They have shown that they can stand toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the continent and even surpass them. However, this tournament has also served as a stark reminder of the value of experience in the high-stakes world of African football.
The Brazilians will surely take this as a learning experience. To consistently succeed at this level, a team needs not only skill and an attractive style but also the ability to adjust and adapt against experienced opponents. Perhaps, this semi-final loss may have been a blessing in disguise, a necessary step in their journey toward becoming a dominant force in African football.
While they may not have lifted the trophy this year, they have indeed won the hearts of many Moroccans with their exhilarating performances. They’ve shown us that they are not just a good team, but a great one. So here’s to the Mamelodi Sundowns, for giving us an unforgettable display of football this year. We look forward to seeing what they will bring to the African turf in the upcoming season.
