Sundowns repeat as PSL champs
Brad Morgan
24 April 2007
Mamelodi Sundown's quest for continental glory came up short on Friday night when they fell two-nil to Egyptian giants Al Ahly in Cairo to go down four-two on aggregate. However, there was good news on the home front for the Brazilians as Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw by Ajax, thus ensuring Sundowns could not be caught in the chase for the PSL title.
Pirates was the only club left with a mathematical chance of preventing 'Downs from successfully defending their title, but with only three games left and the Brazilians 12 points clear of second-placed Moroka Swallows, the chase is over.
Mamelodi Sundowns are the 2006/2007 PSL champions.
A defence conducted with authority
The champions' defence was conducted with authority. Out of the 25 games they have played, they have won 17, drawn five, and lost only three.
Compare that with last season's title winning effort which produced 16 wins, 9
draws, and five losses and it is clear Sundowns are still on the rise.
Like any good team, the Brazilians' defence has been staunch, giving up only 12 goals in 25 matches. That has left the club with a healthy goal difference of 30, with the next best club, Supersport United, 17 goals to the good. It's a big advantage and it tells the story of distance 'Downs have put between themselves and their nearest challengers.
Victories against the Pretoria-based side have been hard to come by. In fact, their loss to al Ahly brought to an end an 18 game unbeaten streak. It's that kind of consistency that wins titles.
The PSL's top coach
Gordon Igesund confirmed himself as the top coach in the PSL with the title, having previously led Manning Rangers, Orlando Pirates, and Santos to PSL glory.
The only stop where he didn't get it right was Ajax Cape Town where he felt constricted by the demands of the team's parent club, Ajax Amsterdam, who
wanted Igesund to play to a specified style.
Despite securing the PSL title again, it would have been a bittersweet weekend for Igesund, nonetheless.
Al Ahly in charge
In Cairo, Al Ahly dominated their clash with Sundowns, although it took a look time for the Egyptians to break down the PSL champions' defences.
Al Ahly captain Shadey Mohamed made the breakthrough when he struck with a penalty in the 69th minute after Benson Mhlangu had conceded the spot kick.
Sundowns very nearly equalised two minutes later when a deflected shot from Lerato Chabangu just missed the top corner of the net.
Ten minutes from time, Egyptian international Mohamed Aboutrika made the game secure for the home side, lobbing a beautiful shot past Calvin Marlin into the corner of the Sundowns net after Emad Moteab had put him in the clear.
Well deserved reward
It was a well deserved reward for Aboutrika who
controlled the midfield for Al Ahly with an imperious display.
'Downs needed a miracle to advance after his goal, having conceded two goals at home to the Egyptians and although they tried their utmost to hit back the hosts proved unyielding.
Only one South African club, Mike Makaab's Orlando Pirates' team of 1995, has won the Champions League. Next year will be 13 years and counting since that side broke the North African monopoly on the title.
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