Mokwena pleased with Downs performance despite Mvala’s red

Mamelodi Sundowns Rulani Mokwena was pleased after his side secured the second semi-final spot in the African Football League, following a goalless draw against Angolan side, Petro de Luanda.

The Pretoria side, playing at home, came into the match with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

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Mokwena full of praises for Petro de Luanda

Mothobi Mvala received a straight red card in the opening 10 minutes but despite early set back , Sundowns managed to hold Petro to a 0-0 draw

Mokwena gave credit to the opposition after the match.

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“It was a difficult game against a very good opponent, I have already mentioned how good they are. They have a team that is very capable of building from the back. They have three centre backs; Kinito (Joaquim Balanga), Pedro Pinto and Ignatius Miguel, who are very aggressive with the ball and it’s very difficult to take the ball away from them.

“When you have a player like William Soares da Silva also in the midfield who sits as a pivot and connects the lines, it becomes very difficult. Pedro Miguel was missing but they have got so much quality with him and Carlinhos,” Mokwena said.

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With a 2-0 advantage and having key players out due to injury, Mokwena knew that his troops needed to make things difficult for the Angola giants.

“We did very well and I am proud of the players. They got a red card in the first minute, which complicated the game, but the boys showed good courage, good spirit and a sense of brotherhood. I want to congratulate and appreciate them for their efforts and putting the team through to the semi-finals of the competition.”

Mokwena and his team will now face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the semi-finals.

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