South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs reached the African Champions League final for the first time in their history on Saturday, earning a place against the holders and record nine-times winners Al Ahly of Egypt.
Kaizer Chiefs held Wydad Casablanca to a 0-0 draw at home in the second leg of their semi-final to go through 1-0 on aggregate after their victory in Morocco last weekend.
Ahly, who also held a 1-0 first leg advantage over Tunisia’s Esperance, won 3-0 in Egypt to advance 4-0 overall.
Kaizer Chiefs went into their home leg against Wydad Casablanca knowing they could achieve the historic feat simply by avoiding defeat.
Goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, who had helped Chiefs earn six clean sheets in this season’s Champions League before Saturday’s match, was replaced in the team by Nigerian Daniel Akpeyi.
Despite pressure from Wydad to get an equaliser, Akpeyi stood firm to help Chiefs continue their impressive recent defensive record.
They held on to become the third South African side to reach the final, after Mamelodi Sundowns (2001 & 2016) and great rivals Orlando Pirates (1995 & 2013).
Kaizer Chiefs’ achievement atones for a disappointing domestic season, having finished eighth in the 16-team league – some 31 points behind champions Sundowns.
Chiefs will now meet Egyptian giants Al Ahly for the trophy after the defending champions beat 10-man Esperance 3-0 in Cairo, 4-0 overall.
Ali Maaloul opened the scoring for Ahly with a penalty in the first half. Esperance left-back Ilyes Chetti was sent-off for his role in the incident.
Mohamed Sherif added a second and Hussein El Shahat a third to seal an emphatic victory for Ahly’s South African coach Pitso Mosimane, who helped them secure the trophy last year.
Mosimane also won with title with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016 and will relish the prospect of facing South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs in the final.
This year’s final will be a one-legged fixture set for 17 July at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
