Kenya’s Mandela helps Sundowns win inaugural African Football League trophy

Kenyan international Brian Onyango Mandela was a late substitute as he helped Mamelodi Sundowns win the inaugural African Football League trophy on Sunday.

The first leg had ended 2-1 in favour of Wydad Casablanca, but the South African giants made home advantage count with a 2-0 victory infront of their fans at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

Striker Peter Shalulile who was returning from injury capitalised on a ball parried back by the Wydad goalkeeper to put Sundowns ahead i the third minute of added time going into the break. After recess Aubrey Modiba made it 2-0 after 53 minutes to ensure the home side won on a 3-2 goal aggregate.

With Sundowns dominating play Onyango Mandela was introduced after 86 minutes to replace goal scorer Shaulile.

Rulani Mokwena, the Mamelodi Sundowns coach was all tears after the final whistle. ” Special congratulations to these magnificent players because they made history because you are continental champions, ” added the 36-year old Mokwena.

Another player from the CECAFA Zone Denis Onyango (Uganda) was on the bench and was not used. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motespe and General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba also graced the final.

Tanzania’s Simba SC were the only team from the CECAFA Zone that played in the African Football League losing to Egyptian giants Al Ahly on away goals rule after a 3-3 draw on aggregate at the quarter final stage.

After eight teams battling in the inaugural African Football League (AFL), 24 top teams in Africa are expected feature in 2024.