Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango apologised after he was sent off during his side’s CAF Champions League triumph on Sunday night.
The South African giants won the competition for the second time after drawing 1-1 with FAR Rabat in the second leg of the final in Morocco.
Sundowns secured a 2-1 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria.
FAR Rabat took the lead in the 40th minute when Mohamed Hrimat converted a penalty following a VAR review, levelling the tie on aggregate and lifting the home crowd.
However, Sundowns responded before halftime through Teboho Mokoena, who fired home a first-time strike after good work from Brayan Leon and Tashreeq Matthews to make it 1-1 on the night.
During the celebrations for the equaliser, Onyango, who was on the bench, joined his teammates before an incident near the Sundowns technical area.
The Ugandan goalkeeper threw a water bottle back towards the stands after objects were allegedly thrown at the Sundowns bench, leading to his dismissal. The red card left Sundowns without a backup goalkeeper on the bench for the rest of the match.
“The final is an emotional game. I shouldn’t have done that with the experience I have, but that is football,” Onyango said after the match.
FAR Rabat continued to press in the second half and were awarded another penalty in the 74th minute after a VAR review. Hrimat stepped up again, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a crucial save to keep Sundowns ahead on aggregate.
Sundowns held firm in the closing stages, although Lebogang Mothiba later had a goal ruled out for offside.
The victory handed Sundowns their second CAF Champions League title and completed a memorable campaign under coach Miguel Cardoso.
Onyango was also part of the Sundowns side that won the trophy in 2016.
“It’s incredible winning it again with the guys. They put up a good fight and everyone gave his best,” he added.
Post a comment