Just like in their previous two CAF Confederations Cup home games, Medeama scored the two goals they needed to win on aggregate. Except that this time, it was a far more important victory.
Mamelodi Sundowns were dumped out on Wednesday on the away goals rule by the Mauves and Yellows after a 2-0 win in their second leg tie. This takes the team into the lucrative money zone, and it is the first time a Ghanaian team have done so since Berekum Chelsea in 2012.
It all started so badly for Medeama, who saw all their initial onslaughts dealt with by the excellent Denis Onyango in the Sundowns goal in the opening 15 minutes.
And on 30 minutes, it looked like the profligacy would be the story of the day, as Abbas Mohammed failed to convert from inside the six-yard box. But the pressure paid off, as a penalty was given after Thabo Ntehthe brought down Attah Agyei.
Malik Akowuah, an ace from 12 yards, converted from the spot. And that’s how it finished at halftime.
The second half saw former Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane, bring on Cuthbert Malajila for the skilful Teko Modise. The move was to bring more directness into their play.
However, it was the reigning Ghana FA Cup champions who supplied the killer blow. As Sundowns pushed in search of the equaliser, Bernard Ofori who doubled the lead in the 65th minute.
Even worse was to come for Sundowns, who saw ‘keeper Onyango sent off three minutes later for kicking out at Abass. Sundowns went into the match leading 3-1 after the first leg match at home and the second leg result means scored were tied at 3-3 on aggregate, eliminating Downs via the away goals rule.
FORM
The newly crowned South African Premiership champions were in better shape coming into the game at the Essipong Sports Stadium. And mentally, questions had been asked about a Medeama whose Swedish coach, Tom Strand, left the club in controversial circumstances after the loss in South Africa.
Evans Adotey, who is the coach of Ghana’s women’s team as well, was in change of this game after being hastily named in a caretaker capacity.
Indeed, Medeama have not been good in the league, but they rubbished the fact that they lie 11th place in the Ghana PL having lost half of their first 10 games of the league season. This game was typical of the Western Region team, who have showed superior mental fortitude on the continent.
Lineups
Medeama: Tagoe, Adade, Sarpong, Amoah, Aidoo, Akowuah, Kwakwa, Boahene, Attah Agyei, Ofori, Mohammed
Mamelodi Sundowns: 36. Onyango, 21. S. Zwane, 16. Mphahlele, 4. Langerman, 2. Nthethe, 6. Arendse, 29. Bangaly, 8. Kekana, 7. Dolly, 10. Modise, 20. Billiat
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