Tshabalala identifies AS FAR strength ahead of final showdown

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ coach Jerry Tshabalala has identified Morocco’s AS FAR’s strength ahead of Sunday night’s CAF Champions League final, writes Tlalane Phahla.

It will be their 10th fixture on the African continent, and they will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run. In the first nine, they have won seven and drawn twice in the continent’s premier women’s competition.

On Sunday, 13 November, they will be playing in front of AS FAR’s home crowd, just like Banyana Banyana did in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in July.  

SAME VENUE

Interestingly, Sundowns play the final at the same venue Banyana made history a few months ago at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat. 

The kick-off time for the fixture is 21h00 (SAST).

Tshabalala knows exactly what their opponents’ strong point is. “They are very good at playing back from the back; hence, we must be cautious, and our pressing game must be spot on,” he told the Sundowns website.

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis, who guided Banyana to WAFCON triumph, has sent her best wishes to Sundowns as they look to defend their title. 

Some of the players who were part of the WAFCON-winning team will play a part in the final.

“I would like to wish Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies all the best in the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR tonight. I know you are currently doing your best to bring the trophy back again. Come on, South Africa let’s get behind Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies,” she said

Ellis’ message follows that of SAFA president Danny Jordaan, who said the ladies will face challenges not only against AS FAR but also in front of Moroccans. He stated that bringing back the trophy would cap off a fantastic year for South African women’s football.

UNBEATEN

The defending African champions had to fight hard to get to the finals, especially against the Simba Queens in the semi-finals. They beat every team in Group B, beginning with a 2-1 victory over Bayelsa Queens, followed by 5-0 and 4-0 victories over Wadi Degla and TP Mazembe, respectively.

In the semifinal, they edged Tanzania’s Simba SC 2-1. Their opponents tonight also won all three games, but if the scorelines are any indication, they are not particularly dangerous in front of goal. They scored more than one goal just once in this competition. 

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