Rulani Mokwena anticipates difficult return leg

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed what he anticipates in the return leg against Wydad AC in Tshwane after a hard-fought 0-0 draw in the first-leg.

Sundowns managed to salvage a goalless draw with North Africans in the first leg of the CAF Champions League Semi-final at Stade Mohammed V on Saturday night. 

Bafana Ba Style fought hard against all odds having had to play with nine-man on the day. 

This comes after Neo Maema and Marcelo Allende received red cards following questionable calls from the match official after a VAR review.

The return leg is expected to take place on weekend of 19-20 May at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, in Tshwane.

WHAT RULANI MOKWENA ANTICIPATES IN THE SECOND LEG

Mokwena admitted that it won’t be a walk in the park when they face Wydad in the second leg because they are a very good side, who are the defending champions.

But despite anticipating a difficult encounter in Tshwane, the 36-year-old mentor reckons that they still have 90 minutes to play and prove themselves to the world what they are capable of. 

“Never [won’t be easy], it’s Champions League and it’s against defending team with good players,” Mokwena told the media. 

“We still have to play another 90 minutes. At this time, I’m very proud of the players’ performance. Incredible discipline, flexibility, and adaptation to very difficult circumstances. 

“It’s only half-time, so we keep our feet firmly on the ground and we still focus on the second leg Pretoria. We know that we will have ammunition also behind us.”

RULANI MOKWENA: ‘WE TRUST THEM’

However, Mokwena is confident that his boys will give their all and be able to get the job done at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.  

“The players are now getting more experience playing these difficult matches. We trust them to be able to continue to be at service. And to give the best that they can,” he added. 

“The result under the circumstances feels emotionally like a victory. But I’m the first to only say that it’s only half-time. We got to focus on the difficult return leg.”

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