Mamelodi Sundowns Clinch Second Women’s African Champions League Title in Style
In an electrifying showdown in Ivory Coast, Mamelodi Sundowns showcased their dominance in women’s football by securing their second Women’s African Champions League title. Facing off against debutants Sporting Club Casablanca, the South African powerhouse left an indelible mark with a resounding 3-0 victory.
The match’s turning point came in the 21st minute when Refilwe Tholakele confidently converted a penalty awarded after a video assistant referee (VAR) review identified a handball by Aicha Samake. This early goal set the tone for Sundowns’ relentless pursuit of glory.
Boitumelo Rabale amplified their lead just three minutes later with a precise, low left-footed strike from the edge of the area, finding the bottom right-hand corner of the net. The Casablanca side struggled to counter Sundowns’ attacking prowess and were thwarted by their formidable goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, who courageously denied Agueicha Diarra’s attempt.
As the match neared its conclusion, Tholakele stepped up once again, calmly slotting in a penalty from 12 yards out, securing her brace and sealing Sundowns’ emphatic victory.
Sundowns’ path to triumph was not without its challenges, but they overcame all obstacles with remarkable finesse. The South African club, previously crowned champions in the inaugural 2021 edition, had fallen short in the second edition, finishing as runners-up to Moroccan outfit AS FAR. However, this time around, they left no room for doubt, winning all five of their tournament games without conceding a single goal.
Remarkably, their victory coincided with their men’s team claiming the inaugural African Football League title just a week prior, adding another layer of glory to the club’s historic achievements.
Reflecting on their triumph, goalkeeper Andile Dlamini encapsulated the team’s spirit when she said, “We did it for the young girls who believe in us.” With a sense of quiet determination, she added, “We don’t talk too much but we work on the field. That’s who we are. We are South Africans, and we are proud.”
Mamelodi Sundowns’ resounding victory not only celebrates their own success but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring young female footballers across the continent, reminding them that dreams can indeed be turned into reality through hard work and unwavering dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about African Women’s Champions League Victory
Q: How many times has Mamelodi Sundowns won the Women’s African Champions League?
A: Mamelodi Sundowns has now won the Women’s African Champions League twice, with their latest victory in 2023.
Q: Who were their opponents in the final match?
A: Mamelodi Sundowns faced Sporting Club Casablanca, who were debutants in the Women’s African Champions League.
Q: How did Refilwe Tholakele contribute to Sundowns’ victory?
A: Refilwe Tholakele played a pivotal role in the final, scoring a crucial penalty in the 21st minute and adding another goal to her tally later in the match.
Q: What was the final score of the match?
A: Mamelodi Sundowns secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Sporting Club Casablanca.
Q: How did Mamelodi Sundowns perform in the tournament overall?
A: Mamelodi Sundowns had a flawless tournament, winning all five of their games without conceding a single goal, showcasing their dominance in women’s football.
Q: What other achievement is mentioned in the text related to Mamelodi Sundowns?
A: The text mentions that Mamelodi Sundowns’ men’s side also secured a victory, winning the inaugural African Football League title just a week prior to the women’s triumph.
More about African Women’s Champions League Victory
- Mamelodi Sundowns Women’s Team – Official page for Mamelodi Sundowns Women’s Football Team.
- African Champions League – Official page for the Women’s African Champions League.
- Sporting Club Casablanca – Official website of Sporting Club Casablanca.
- [African Football League](Insert URL) – Additional information on Mamelodi Sundowns’ men’s team’s victory in the African Football League.
3 comments
Love how they won ALL games without concedin’ goals! Dominance, y’all!
Tholakele’s penalty, a real game-changer, no doubt.
So, Sundowns won both men’s n’ women’s titles? amazin’!