Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena praises his players after Wydad draw. Image: Twitter @Masandawana
Mokwena praises his troops following Wydad draw
Rulani Mokwena’s troops impressively managed to hold off Wydad Casablanca’s relentless attacks with nine men.
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena praises his players after Wydad draw. Image: Twitter @Masandawana
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena praised his players following a goalless draw in the CAF Champions League first leg against Wydad Casablanca on Saturday night.
The Brazilians were reduced to ten men at the brink of half time when Neo Maema was sent off for a foul on Wydad defender Amine Aboulfath.
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Marcelo Allende also picked up a red card towards the end of the match but Mokwena’s men survived the onslaught and managed to earn a draw.
Mokwena is cautious ahead of the second leg
Speaking at the press conference after the match, Mokwena praised his side for denying the home team clear cut opportunities.
“I thought before the red card we were very good, we [even] scored and there were moments where we had 65% ball possession. I think we were excellent and that’s why I give so much praise and plaudits to the players. We keep our feet firmly on the ground and still focus on the second leg in Pretoria, we know that we will also have the yellow nation behind us.”
Downs played well despite being a man down and at times looked like could steal a win.
“After the red card the game became completely different, we had to adapt, but congratulations to this group of players for their magnificent effort and performance today under very, very difficult circumstances,” Mokwena said.
“The players are now gaining more experience playing these difficult matches and we trust them to be able to continue to be at service and to give the best that they can. Under the circumstances, emotionally it feels like a victory, but I am the first to say that it’s only half time and now we’ve got to focus on a difficult return leg.”
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The return leg will be played on 20 May in Pretoria
Sundowns have been clinical this seasonas they seek to win the CAF Champipms League for the second time.
“It’s the Champions league against the defending champions. We still have to play another 90 minutes [in Pretoria]. I am just very proud of the players for a gallant performance, incredible discipline, incredible tactical flexibility and adaptation in very difficult circumstances.” Downs head coach said.”
Mokwena’s charges host the return leg in Pretoria on Saturday, 20 May at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
