After qualifying for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals in what was a difficult group stages, Mamelodi Sundowns will play their first knockout round match on Friday night. They will host Malian side, Stade Malien at the Loftus Versfeld for the first leg of the two-legged quarterfinals.
This will be the first ever tie between the two sides and the first meeting sees Masandawana welcoming Stade Malien to South Africa. Speaking to coach Miguel Cardoso as he looked ahead to the fixture, he expressed his gratitude for qualifying for the quarterfinals and hopes to win the first leg.
“Firstly, it’s a pleasure and a privilege to have reached this level of the competition. Obviously the stakes are a lot higher and we want to be amongst the best in the continent. We face this quarterfinal with the intention to proceed. So, we will do our best in the two matches to make sure we proceed to the semifinals,” the coach said.
While they finished second in the Group C table, Bafana Ba Style will be meeting a Stade Malien side who emerged on top of the Group D tally after winning three matches, drawing one and losing one in the final day of group matches. Coach Miguel stated his side will be looking to get it right and ensure they have a lead before embarking to Mali for the return fixture next week. Furthermore, he stated his side will not head to this match undermining their opponent.
“We expect two tough matches. I don’t think there’s anything like an underrated team or an underdog. We will be facing an opponent that qualified for this round by finishing first in their group. While we respect them, we know what we are capable of. We know what we need to bring in the pitch. It’s important that we stick to plan, respect ourselves and respect our opponents.”
“I think our last home match in the Champions League was an example of what we want, when we say we hope to give our best and show our best. That’s the same mentality and energy we will be taking to this match,” the coach continued.
The Portugal-born tactician concluded by encouraging the Yellow Nation to come out in numbers to rally behind the boys, while promising them an exciting encounter.
“We urge our supporters to bring the energy that we desire and deserve. One that will encourage us to fight harder. The same energy they bring in every game, so that we can profit in that energy. I hope the players will set up a good match so we may return the same energy to our supporters.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will do clash against Stade Malien on Friday night at Loftus Versfeld. Kick-off is set for 20H00, live SuperSport TV and SABC Sport.
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