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‘Downs must secure the box against Ahly’ | African News

In a campaign where every goal can be decisive for the Caf Champions League title, dominating set pieces can make the difference. The 2018 Fifa World Cup Technical Report reveals that over 50% of goals were scored from set plays.
FARPost Technical Study Group (TSG) has identified Mamelodi Sundown’s defensive organisation around the box and general set piece (against) as critical components ahead of their grudge match against defending champions Al Ahly. In this analysis report, the TSG unpacks the defensive errors of Sundowns against Ahly in 2021, later dissecting ‘The Brazilians’ set-piece outlook in the 2021/22 season.
1. Defensive Set-play v Ahly
Tactically, Sundowns’ defensive organisation is standard. Reaction to opposition short corner is always activated. This is followed by management of the first pole, a line of zonal-marking and man-marking options.
However, this structure has challenges. As observed below, from A to D. Sundowns must fix the following inherent behaviour in their approach:
A—-Cover opposition movement on the first pole
B—-Increase players in man-marking zones
C—-Manage players in between the zonal line
D—-Find a solution to the back pole (optional)
2. Defending around the box
Defensive moments in open play are very tricky. As a norm, long balls behind the midfield line present tricky scenarios if not dealt with decisively. Still, better communication, shifting and safe defensive distances are central in that instance.
Against Ahly in the 2021 Caf quarterfinal, the defensive distance between the right-back and centreback was too big. Any distance above 10 meters in and around the box is suicidal. Coupled with Dennis Onyango’s bad positioning, the defensive line was easily bridged.

3. Sundowns defensive organisation in 2021-2022 season
Downs’ trio of coaches has made little adjustments to their set-piece defensive structure. Better clarification in the numbers, player deployment and structure, is more evident. Their characteristic zonal line, alertness to short-corner variation and the man-marking zone remains in place. However, the TSG has observed a worrying pattern of the following problems:
3.1 Sundowns v Gallants (PSL)
Sundowns kept a zonal line and were outnumbered in the man-marking stakes (Pictures)
3.2 Sundowns v Royal AM (PSL)
In this match against Royal AM, the DStv Premiership champions showed an uncharacteristic set-up. The back pole area was unattended, 1v1 drifting occurred, a man-marking strategy was breached, and an opposition player was left close to Onyango.
3.3 Sundowns v Al Merrikh (CAF)
The Sudanese outfit had an apparent aerial advantage over Sundowns. Still, Sundowns left the man-marking zone in numerical inferiority (1v4).

4. Verdict
Sundowns are a serious contender for the CAF title. A bitter loss to Ahly still lingers on their minds. Bar challenges in the attacking options leading to this match; if they can better defend in and around the box and perfect their glaring set-piece defensive imperfections, a favourable outcome is achievable against Pitso Mosimane and his ‘Red Devils’ troops.
Source Link ‘Downs must secure the box against Ahly’ | African News