Ronwen Williams saved the moment – and perhaps the title – but the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper insists the credit belongs elsewhere.
Sundowns were crowned African champions for the second time in their history after overcoming ASFAR 2-1 on aggregate in the CAF Champions League final, with the second leg at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night ending 1-1.
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But the night’s most decisive moment came not from a goal, but from a save; one that Williams himself almost never had to make.
In the 72nd minute, Williams fumbled a low shot and collided with Youssef El Fahli in an attempt to claim the loose ball. A VAR review was called for, and a penalty was awarded to ASFAR. Williams then redeemed himself with a magnificent save from Mohamed Hrimat’s spot kick, keeping Sundowns firmly in charge of the tie.
In the mixed zone after the final whistle, Williams was candid about the mixed emotions swirling inside him – relief, guilt, and gratitude all fighting for space.
“I was so disappointed and still disappointed because it was a soft penalty to give from my side,” he said. “You don’t want to put your team on the back foot at that time. I think it was the 75th minute and it was a soft penalty for me to concede.”
The South African shot-stopper, known for his exacting standards, refused to let the save wash away the self-criticism that had already taken root.
“Me being me, I will be hard on myself for the longest time – even though I saved the penalty, it’s how I am,” he admitted.
“So disappointed because I knew if they scored that, 2-1 with 20 minutes to go, they would have got the energy to put us under pressure and we’d have felt it.”
For Williams, the redemption was real, but the glory was not his to keep. “So, I’m just glad that God allowed me to save that ball today,” he said. “It wasn’t me but God who took over.”
The victory gives Sundowns their second African crown, erasing the pain of defeat in last season’s final against Egypt’s Pyramids FC, and Williams’ penalty stop will live long in the memory of every Brazilians supporter. Whether he chooses to accept the praise or not.
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