Round five of the 2018 CAF Champions League group matches was played over the weekend with Wydad Casablanca, the club of William Jebor, playing host to Anthony Snoti Laffor’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Laffor, who made his first appearance for the Sundowns in the 2018-19 season during the game, was unable to prevent his side from losing all three points at the end of the 90 minutes. Wydad won on home soil with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. A goal from 24-year-old Moroccan midfielder Anas Al Asbahi was enough to deny the Sundowns any points after the sound of the final whistle.

The defeat made life difficult for the Sundowns, who must now win in their final group game if they are to reach the quarterfinals of the 2018 CAF Champions League. The “Brazilians” will play Guinea’s Horoya in their final group game and must win to avoid being eliminated. Horoya is placed second in Group C with eight points, three more than the Sundowns, who are seated third with five points.  A win in Pretoria with more goals will help the Sundowns grab a quarterfinals spot.

The Sundowns lost to the Guinean side in the first leg, but Laffor feels it will be a different game when the two teams meet in South Africa on Tuesday, August 28. The former Lone Star captain told The Bush Chicken that his team has had more difficult tasks than the upcoming match and the club is in full readiness for whatever force Horoya will come with.

“We are not underestimating their strength, but we fully prepared for whatever way they might come,” he said. “Right now, we have a domestic cup game and a league game to play. Our focus is to advance in the MTN-8 cup final and get the maximum three points against Highlands Park. After those games, we will focus on the match with Horoya. Without a doubt, I can tell you that we’ll win and advance to the CAF Champions League group stage.”

After being on the sidelines with an ankle injury, it was Laffor’s first appearance for the Sundowns. He played 45 minutes before being substituted for Samuel Mabunda. Meanwhile, Jebor, whose move to Wydad was confirmed less than a month ago, had no part to play in the match as he’s not a registered player for Wydad in the CAF Champions League.

Wydad are at the top of Group C with 11 points from five games. The Moroccan side has already booked their place in the quarterfinals and a win over AS Togo Port on the last day of group games will see them finish as group leaders.

Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.