Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final first-leg hero, Aubrey Modiba, says his stunning goal has helped ease the pain of last year’s final defeat. Modiba sent a sold-out Loftus Versfeld into a state of frenzy on Sunday when the Bafana Bafana left-back unleashed a rasping free-kick into the AS FAR net.
It was the only goal of the encounter and allowed Sundowns to take a 1-0 advantage into the second leg in Morocco next week. “It brought back all the emotions from last season when we lost in the final,” said Modiba, who broke into an animated celebration after his goal.
Modiba’s Free-Kick Prowess
The free-kick was no fluke. Modiba revealed that he spends many hours on the training pitch perfecting these dead-ball situations alongside Teboho Mokoena, who almost doubled Sundowns’ lead with an equally excellent set-piece that unfortunately struck the AS FAR upright. “We practise a lot, Tebza [Mokoena] and I,” Modiba said. “So, I’m glad it paid off.”
Modiba is a doubtful starter for next Sunday’s return leg in Rabat after pulling up with a hamstring injury, which forced him to be replaced by Divine Lunga. However, he remains confident Sundowns can get the job done in North Africa, unlike last season when they fell short against Egyptian outfit Pyramids.
CAF Champions League Final Second Leg Preview
According to the CAF Champions League format, the winner of the competition will be determined by the team with the most aggregate goals over the two legs. If the scores are tied after the second leg, the winner will be determined by the away goals rule.
Here are the key facts about the second leg:
- The second leg will be played on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
- The match will kick off at 9 pm South African time.
- Sundowns will be looking to defend their 1-0 lead and secure their first CAF Champions League title.
As the South African Football Association continues to support the development of football in the country, Sundowns’ success in the CAF Champions League could have a significant impact on the sport in South Africa.
