Former Volyn Lutsk forward, Michael Babatunde was impressive as his Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca secured a slim 2-1 first-leg victory over South African side Mamelodi Sundows in a CAF Champions League semifinal first-leg match played on Friday night.
Wydad got the breakthrough when Saidi converted a beautiful counter-attacking move for the host in the 26th minute. They almost doubled their advantage when Babatunde, who was playing as a false nine forced Onyango into making a brilliant save after a sublime exchange of passes with El-Haddad.
With three minutes to the end of the first half Sundowns levelled the scores when Anele Ngcongca capitalized on sloppy defending by the host to head home a corner.
Wydad regained their lead with just a minute into the second half, as Badi Aouk capitalised on poor goalkeeping for an easy tap-in.
The second leg will be played on Saturday, May 4 at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The other Nigerian at Wydad, Gabriel Okechukwu was introduced in the 86th minute.
Babatunde has scored seven goals this season to help Wydad stay on top of the Moroccan league with 53 points from 25 games, six points ahead of closest rival, Raja Casablanca
Teams
Wydad: Tagnaouti; Noussir, Nahiri, Comara, Babatunde (El-Moutaraji 75′), Saidi (Jabrane 75′), El Karti, Nakach, Dari, Badi (Okechukwu 86′), El Haddad.
Sundowns: Onyango; Langerman, Nascimento, Lebusa, Ngcongca, Mabunda, Kekana, Morena, Zwane, Sirino (Mahlambi 57′), Maboe (Lakay 79′).
