Match Report: Nine-man Sundowns hold Wydad to a barren draw in CAF Champions League semi-final first-leg

The first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final between Wydad Casablanca, the title holders, and 9-man Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa ended in a goalless draw on Saturday.

The game was full of drama, with Mamelodi Sundowns starting strong and having a goal from Peter Shalulile disallowed after a VAR review for offside.

The South Africans continued to dominate until Neo Maema was sent off for a reckless challenge just before half-time.

Wydad Casablanca then had the numerical advantage, but they could not capitalize on it, with Zouheir El Moutarji, Hamid Ahadad and Bouly Junior Sambou all missing good chances to score.

Near the end of the game, Marcelo Allende of Mamelodi Sundowns was shown a second yellow card, reducing them to nine men.

The result sets up an exciting second leg in Pretoria on Friday.