By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes both teams will be going for the victory when his side host Al Ahly in their CAF Champions League Group A clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Ahly have yet to win in South Africa in 13 previous attempts, and with former Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane at the helm, will be smarting from their historic loss to The Brazilians in Cairo last month.
Sundowns could all but ensure top spot in the pool with a win, but Mngqithi believes Ahly will have victory on their minds going into the game.
“We are heading into a very tough encounter,” Mngqithi said. “It’s a game that has so much insight and a game that can determine our season.
“It is also a game of consequence as both Al Ahly and ourselves are looking for a result that can maybe get us into the quarterfinals, also considering that they lost the recent match against us at their home ground. Obviously, they will now come with vengeance hoping to try and upset us.
“I believe when two big clubs face each other with a mentality to try and win the match, and not just play for a draw or consolidate their place in gaining a point by not conceding, it becomes a very interesting match.
“So I believe that’s one thing that will make the match very special, because both teams will be looking for a result.”
Meanwhile Al Ahly assistant manager Samy Komsan is confident his team can overcome Sundowns hurdle in the CAF Champions League.
After a hard-earned victory over Al-Merreikh, Al Ahly currently sit second in Group A of the Champions League.
The game won’t be easy for the title-holders as Sundowns are a force to be reckoned with, especially at home.
Despite the difficulty of the game, Komsan showed confidence in his players, believing they can return to Egypt with the game points.
“Traveling just after Pyramids game and the weather change between Egypt and South Africa put a lot of pressure on the players,” Komsan said.
“However, I completely trust the technical staff and the players and I am sure they can return to Egypt with a positive result.”
“We studied Sundowns well and the little details make the difference in important games. We are determined to win our third consecutive Champions League title.
“Our group has strong teams and they are all aiming to qualify but we will do all we can to win the title.”
Elsewhere AmaZulu will be targeting a third straight win in the CAF Champions League when they take on ES Setif at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 on Saturday night.
Benni McCarthy’s side beat the Black Eagles 1-0 in Durban on matchday three to close within three points of Group B leaders Raja Casablanca.
The KZN outfit had claimed a historic 1-0 victory over Horoya a week prior after opening their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Green Eagles in Morocco.