Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has dared his team to attack Al Ahly from the first whistle when the two African giants meet in the return leg of the African Football League on Wednesday (9pm) in Cairo.
The Brazilians have the upper hand having triumphed 1-0 in the first leg, thanks to Thapelo Maseko long-range effort.
Al Ahly will secure progression to the final should they win by a margin of two goals or more.
A stalemate or a win for the visitors will be enough for them to book their place to the final.
Rhulani has urged his team to not alter their approach for this game, and go for the kill.
“I say to the players that it’s only half time and we play against a very good side with a very good pedigree in the African clubs competitions.
Watch as coach Rulani takes us through how Masandawana are gearing up for their clash against Al Ahly in Cairo!👆#sundowns #AFL pic.twitter.com/ftdZxelFAi
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) November 1, 2023
“That we have to play as well or better than in the first leg to get a good result. We show a lot of respect to our opponents, we always approach every game with a lot of humility and that’s the same in this match,” said Rhulani in a press briefing in Cairo.
Rhulani said he is planning on countering Ahly’s line-up and prepare his charges based on that information.
“We start the game like it’s zero-zero and we will first get information based on the starting line-up. And again, it will also depend on what happens with regards to what we will anticipate.”
“So, it will depend on what happens to them and we will respond to deal with what the opposition is trying to do. Last time they rotated the players around and this is something we have to be mindful of,” he said.
Rhulani’s side been touted as favourites to progress to the final, with their previous two visits to Cairo bearing unexpected results.
Downs and Ahly drew 2-2 in the CAF Champions League group stages in 2021/22 before defeating the Egyptian giants 1-0 in their own backyard last season.
