Mamelodi Sundowns played to a dull draw away from home and coach Rulani Mokwena says they will do better at home.
Sundowns will host the Tanzanian side in the second leg of the CAF Champions League encounter in Tshwane on April 05 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Despite the draw, Mokwena feels they can still turn things around as his men still have a chance to reach the semi-finals.
The Brazilians were without skipper Themba Zwane as they faced Yanga at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday night.
The Bafana Bafana star was unavailable due to suspension and the clash in South Africa is set to see him returning to action and inspire the Yellow family to glory.
Sundowns: Mokwena Reacts To The Draw vs Yanga
Sundowns failed to score a 0-0 draw at a packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday evening. Despite having the lion’s share of ball possession, Mokwena’s men couldn’t find the breakthrough to get an away goal.
When asked whether Sundowns would make it to the next stage, Mokwena was quick to state that he “thinks” his side will seal the semi-final spot.
Sundowns Coach On Reaching Semis
“Yeah of course I think we will see Sundowns in the next round,” said Mokwena in the post-match press conference.
“I’m very confident about that, in fact. What’s the plan? The plan is to get home safe now, rest, drink lots of water, sleep, analyse the game, and prepare for Richards Bay.
“We’ve got a very important league game on Tuesday. So, that’s the plan for now.”
This was after he accumulated yellow cards in the group stages. Mokwena admitted that they missed the Bafana Bafana playmaker. He’s delighted the 34-year-old will be available for selection next week.
Zwane To Return For Second Leg
“He’s the captain of the team and he’s an important part of the team,” he added.
“Of course, we missed him a little bit today but everyone tried. I’m happy with the commitment and the effort of the team, especially in the second half.
“Okay, let’s build on that. It’s not always easy coming from the FIFA break. The first game after the international break.
“But okay, let’s how it goes.”
Sundowns: Fans React to Yanga Draw
@SirDrupy said:
“Thank you boys for keeping a clean sheet away from home. It was a very tough encounter tonight but we will finish the job at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.”
@Dudu Madonsela posted:
“Great comment of the day. Well done Sundowns, I wish you nothing but the Best in Pretoria.”
@Sammy commented:
“Cleansheet with 3 key players missing.? You guys you have missed the best chance to send them home for good. Next fixture they are coming to face you fully equipped.”
Just before the clash, Sundowns defender Brian Onyango said they are facing a tough contest against Yanga.
“Champions League is very tough. So any minimal advantage you get while you start away, you grab it with both hands because it helps in the second leg,” Sundowns defender Onyango said.
“They are a good team with top players and their passionate supporters behind them, so we expect a difficult encounter.”
Ex-Sundowns Skipper Warns The Current Generation
This publication posted that former skipper Hlompho Kekana warned the current generation about hostile fans away from home.
“Off-the-field issues actually play a big role in influencing the match and I say that because the home team benefits from that,” Kekana said on the club’s Pitchside Podcast.
“If you play against players who are in the mood because of the supporters it becomes a very tricky task to overcome but when you speak about the experience of Mamelodi Sundowns on the continent, you are talking about a team that has matured. They understand that the demands of the match are actually on the field more than anything. You must try to ignore what might happen outside the pitch. Supporters in Tanzania are passionate. There are really two teams on that side, Yanga, and Simba FC, and you feel it when you get there.”
What’s Next For Sundowns
After their trip to Tanzania, Sundowns will switch their focus to the league in a match against Richards Bay on Tuesday night at home.
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