All roads lead to Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco as Wydad AC vs Mamelodi Sundowns lock horns in the first leg finals of the African Football League.
The much anticipated final between these Africa’s most enterprising clubs will take center stage on Sunday, 5 November 2023, at 19:00 local time in Morocco (18H00 GMT).
Masandawana touched down in Morocco last night for their next #AFL assignment: The Final! 🇲🇦 #Sundowns pic.twitter.com/Yhmv0fCDN2
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) November 3, 2023
Sundowns beat Al Ahly 1-0 on aggregate to qualify for the final of the 2023 African Football League.
Wydad Athletic Club defeated Esperance of Tunisia 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate to qualify for the final.
Battles between Wydad AC and Masandawana are always memorable and keenly contested. Expect nothing less in this first leg of their AFL encounter on Sunday evening.
Wydad AC vs Mamelodi Sundowns probable lineups
Wydad AC
Adil Ramzi will be pleased he has no injury concerns ahead of Sundowns' visit to Morocco.
However, the Red Castle's preparations for the first leg finals of the AFL has cast a big shadow following the loss of the club's defender, Oussama Falouh, who succumbed to his accident injuries.
Wydad will look to play with their hearts out in honour of their fallen player, with Charki El Bahri and Hicham Boussefiane expected to lead the line for last season's CAF Champions League finalist.
Probable lineups for Wydad AC: El Motie (GK); Allah, Aboulfath, Harkass, Draoui; Ahannach, Jabrane, Ounajem, Amloud; El Bahri, Boussefiane.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Junior Mendieta will take no part in the game as he's suspended having received a red card in the goalless draw with Al Ahly.
Elsewhere, forwards Peter Shalulile and Abubeker Nasir along with midfielder Bathusi Aubaas will continue their recovery from injury and will have no part in the match.
Nonetheless, Mokwena's side welcomed back defender Mothobi Mvala into the team in their last outing having completed his red card suspension, he's expected to play a key role in the backline.
Probable lineups for Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams (GK); Coetzee, Mudau, Mvala, Boutouil; Modiba, Kekana, Allende; Maseko, Zwane, Sirino.
Wydad AC vs Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
Wydad AC vs Mamelodi Sundowns Head-to-Head
The previous 12 meetings between Wydad AC and Mamelodi Sundowns shows that Wydad have triumphed in 4 matches, while Sundowns have won 3 matches, with 5 matches drawn.
Both teams last faced each other in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League return leg on 20 May 2023, where the game concluded with a 2-2 scoreline.
Here are the results of their last five matches:
- 20/05/23 – Mamelodi Sundowns 2-2 Wydad AC
- 13/05/23 – Wydad AC 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
- 01/02/2020 – Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Wydad AC
- 07/12/19 – Wydad AC 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
- 04/05/19 – Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Wydad AC
Where to watch Wydad AC vs Mamelodi Sundowns live in South Africa
As fans of both teams are looking forward to watching their clubs take to the field in this historic final, we provide live broadcast information about the game for fans in South Africa.
You can catch Wydad AC and Mamelodi Sundowns battle it out on the field of play on SABC Sports, SABC 1 and CAF TV on YouTube.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
