Mokwena Rebuffs Criticism After CAFCL First Leg

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has rebuffed the criticism of a local journalist after his side’s goalless draw with Wydad Athletic Club at Stade Mohamed V in their CAF Champions League semi-final first leg.

Sundowns’ saw Neo Maema sent off after 42 minutes after VAR review, while Marcelo Allende also saw a red in injury-time, but salvaged a goalless draw.

Masandawana had the ball in the back of the net in the first half, but Peter Shalulile was rightfully, albeit marginally, ruled offside after VAR review.

Before Maema’s sending off, at times, it looked like Sundowns were the home team, as they took the game to the defending champions at their own home ground.

As a consequence, Mokwena wasn’t having any of the criticism by a local journalist who had stated that Sundowns struggled to open up Wydad in the first half.

“I thought before the red card we were very good, we scored, there were moments where we had 65% ball possessions – here [at Stade Mohamed V],” he said after the match.

“I thought we were excellent actually, contrary to your statement. That’s why I give so much, so much praise to the players. They know it’s only half-time, so we keep our feet firmly on the ground.

“We’re still focussed on second leg in Pretoria. We know that we will also have the ammunition also behind us, we will have a stadium that now knows how to play Champions League matches and push this team.

“The players are now gaining more experience and the players are getting more experienced in these difficult matches. We trust them, we trust them to continue to be at service. They are an honest group of players.

“So a lot of credit to them, credit to the technical team, who put in a lot of hard work in preparing to what is a difficult week.

“Congratulations to the football, because the result under the circumstances feels like a victory but I’m the first to say that it’s only half-time.”

Sundowns are now scheduled to face Maritzburg United in their final DStv Premiership game on Tuesday, before hosting Wydad in the second leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final on Saturday.