CR Belouizdad head coach Nabil Kouki has insisted that Mamelodi Sundowns are the best team on the continent – sitting a level above the other contenders for the CAF Champions League.
Kouki, 53, saw his side lose 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday despite scoring the opener in the 24th minute.
The result out Sundowns into the semi-finals, eliminating the Algerian champions, who had only conceded twice in six group stage matches, 6-2 on aggregate.
After the match, Kouki was full of praise for Sundowns, insisting they are – by far – the best team on the continent right now.
“Mamelodi Sundowns are the strongest team in Africa right now,” he said, as translated from French into English.
“It is a challenge to play this team, but the game had everything. If you talk about the football, it’s money.
“All the coaches around the world can see that Mamelodi Sundowns are on a higher level [in Africa] – the other teams are not equals.”
Kouki also stated that Sundowns not only have the money to buy good players, but also the technical team to find and polish gems.
“It’s about the players, the quality, the money,” he continued.
“They bought players. Yes, obviously the other teams can also buy players with the type of money but Mamelodi Sundowns have the eye, have the technical team to get the players.
“It’s not only about money, you must also have the technical team to find the players and improve the players. You can see on the field, they are a very well-coached team.
“Mamelodi Sundowns are far ahead of the other teams.”
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Sundowns will now face defending champions Wydad Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the competition, reaching the last four for the first time since 2019 when Wydad knocked them out 2-1 on aggregate.
