Mamelodi Sundowns ended a 15-year wait for a place in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League with their 1-0 win over Zamalek last night.
The victory, courtesy of Ali Gabr's late own goal, sealed the win for the Brazilians as winners of the three-team Group B.
With a semi-final place confirmed, Sundowns' last group match against Enyimba in Nigeria on August 23 will be academic.
After last night's result, the South African champions will meet the runners-up of Group A in the semi-finals, their first since 2001.
As it stands, they are likely to face Zesco United. The Zambians are currently second in Group A behind Wydad Casablanca of Morocco. Zamalek, meanwhile, remain second in Group B with three points from three matches.
If the Egyptians beat Enyimba on August 12 in Cairo, they will finish second in the group and follow Sundowns to the semis.
Coach Pitso Mosimane's side looked the best bet for a win last night based on how they dictated terms, especially in the second half.
Midfielder Teko Modise got the home side going in the 10th minute with a long range effort, but it was not enough to trouble Ahmed El-Shenawy in Zamalek's goal.
The visitors were also not sitting back and new signing Al Fathi impressed. His dangerous cross in the 26th minute was dealt with by Denis Onyango, who came off his line to collect the high ball.
And then it was Khama Billiat's turn to attack for Sundowns in the 34th minute but his cross-cum-shot was tipped over for a corner by El-Shenawy and the resultant set piece came to nothing.
The Zimbabwean forward had a better opportunity two minutes late when he beat a defender for pace, but his left-footed attempt was blocked by El-Shenawy.
Sundowns continued their dominance in the second half and were rewarded after Zamalek's Ali Gabr diverted substitute Percy Tau's cross into his own net.
RESULTS
Sundowns 1, Zamalek 0
Casablanca 0, Al Ahly 1
Asec 1, Zesco 1
Downs marches on
Mamelodi Sundowns ended a 15-year wait for a place in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League with their 1-0 win over Zamalek last night.
The victory, courtesy of Ali Gabr's late own goal, sealed the win for the Brazilians as winners of the three-team Group B.
With a semi-final place confirmed, Sundowns' last group match against Enyimba in Nigeria on August 23 will be academic.
After last night's result, the South African champions will meet the runners-up of Group A in the semi-finals, their first since 2001.
As it stands, they are likely to face Zesco United. The Zambians are currently second in Group A behind Wydad Casablanca of Morocco. Zamalek, meanwhile, remain second in Group B with three points from three matches.
If the Egyptians beat Enyimba on August 12 in Cairo, they will finish second in the group and follow Sundowns to the semis.
Coach Pitso Mosimane's side looked the best bet for a win last night based on how they dictated terms, especially in the second half.
Midfielder Teko Modise got the home side going in the 10th minute with a long range effort, but it was not enough to trouble Ahmed El-Shenawy in Zamalek's goal.
The visitors were also not sitting back and new signing Al Fathi impressed. His dangerous cross in the 26th minute was dealt with by Denis Onyango, who came off his line to collect the high ball.
And then it was Khama Billiat's turn to attack for Sundowns in the 34th minute but his cross-cum-shot was tipped over for a corner by El-Shenawy and the resultant set piece came to nothing.
The Zimbabwean forward had a better opportunity two minutes late when he beat a defender for pace, but his left-footed attempt was blocked by El-Shenawy.
Sundowns continued their dominance in the second half and were rewarded after Zamalek's Ali Gabr diverted substitute Percy Tau's cross into his own net.
RESULTS
Sundowns 1, Zamalek 0
Casablanca 0, Al Ahly 1
Asec 1, Zesco 1
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