Following a goalless 120 minutes, Mamelodi Sundowns ladies edged out Malabo Kings 5-4 on penalties at the El Salam Stadium in Cairo on Monday to reach the maiden Caf Women’s Champions League Final.
Undefeated so far in the tournament, the South Africans enjoyed much of the ball possession and created a number of chances earlier on in the game. Within just eight minutes, Chuene Morifi’s well delivered cross from the right flank met up Melinda Kgadiete in the King’s box, but the striker couldn’t keep her header down, missing an opportunity to take the lead.
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In the 21st minute, another glorious chance fell for Morifi as Kings failed to clear the ball inside the box, but the Downs winger shot’s was easily saved by keeper Ruth Sunday.
The side from Equatorial Guinea struggled to get going, with their key player Drepoba Gbogou making little impact upfront. The only time they looked to be making a threat on Downs goals was just after the half hour mark, but Grace Mfwamba’s volley went wide.
The second half saw Kings playing with more determination to score and striker Gbogou’s wonderful run in the 54th minute could have put her side in the driving seat, but Sundowns were quick to stop her on her tracks.
At the other end, Banyana Ba Style’s Lelona Daweti had her diving header denied by the goalpost in the 61st minute. Substitute Andisiwe Mgcoyi got a fine opportunity to put Sundowns in the lead with 10 minutes of regular time remaining, but she couldn’t keep her header down as the sides went into full-time unable to break the deadlock.
With a spot for the final up for grabs, the teams went into extra-time, but still failed to find the back of the net, leaving the tie to be decided on penalties.
Downs will now take on Hasacaas Ladies of Ghana in the historic maiden final on Friday.
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