Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up to conclude their group stages campaign in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League when they play host to Moroccan side, AS FAR Rabat at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night.
Bafana Ba Style came from the back of a 2-1 triumph away from home which kept their hopes to qualify for the knockout round alive. Next up for them, is a crucial game which according to head coach Miguel Cardoso, is a must-win for his side. Looking ahead to their first home fixture this year, the coach spoke at the press conference in Pretoria, stating that his side has had enough time to prepare for what is anticipated to be a mouthwatering clash.
“It’s an important match, one that everyone will want to be a part of. We worked very well during the week, something we haven’t been able to do for a while now, due to our tight schedule. We tried to prepare ourselves as best as we could and help the players with recovery and getting them ready for the game in terms of physical conditioning and tactical approach. We are now making the finishing touches so that we can get a result that makes us qualify for the next round,” he said.
Defender, Mosa Lebusa, uttered similar words shared by his coach, stating that the team looks ready and confident to play a game they are looking to win. He said: “From the players’ side, we are very excited and we know what it means to take the team to the next round of the competition. Everyone has been working hard and we are ready for the hard work we ought to display tomorrow.”
A draw against the Moroccan side will book the Brazilians a place in the quarter-final, while a straight win will not only book them a place in the next round, but it will also see them finish the group stages on top of the Group B log. Coach Miguel has confidently stated that the mandate for his side will be to win this game as they didn’t prepare for a draw.
“I think both teams have a clear identity in the manner they approach the game and I think that’s what you are going to see on the pitch. AS FAR have less to lose as they are already through to the knockout stages. They’ll be playing for the first position in the group while we will be playing to proceed to the next round. We know that a draw will get us through to the next round but the objective is to win the game because anyone with a mindset to draw usually loses the game,” he said.
Lebusa concluded by urging the Yellow Nation to come out in numbers to support them in their first home game of the year, saying: “I think for us, winning is very important. It’s our first game of the year at home in front of our fans. We know that when our fans are present and beating the drum for us, nothing goes wrong. So, we are hoping they come in numbers and we will make sure we don’t disappoint them.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will go head-to-head with AS FAR Rabat on Sunday night. Kick-off has been scheduled for 18H00, live on SuperSport TV.
