Mokwena hails Sundowns character after reaching AFL final

Mamelodi Sundowns might have reached the final of the inaugural African Football League on the back of a goalless draw against a spirited Al-Ahly side on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Sundowns edge out Ahly to reach inaugural AFL final

However, their coach Rulani Mokwena believes the damage was done in the first leg where the Brazilians recorded a narrow 1-0 victory that would eventually be enough to take tie on aggregate.

Ronwen Williams had a first half to remember for different reasons in Cairo. He uncharacteristically made numerous handling errors inside his own box and was fortunate not to have been punished by Ahly.

The 31-year-old also gave away a penalty but atoned for the error as he expertly dived to his left to deny Ali Maâloul from the spot.

Mokwena’s charges were also reduced to 10-man late in the second half and had to hold on for the last 13 minutes of the game after Junior Mendieta was shown a straight red card for a reckless over-the-top tackle.

“Mamelodi Sundowns showed a lot of character and perseverance in what was a difficult 98 minutes against a very strong team,” Mokwena said after the second leg of the semi-final match at Cairo International Stadium.

“But I must be honest with you, I think the semi-final was won in South Africa in the first leg. That 1-0 result was very big and I would like to thank the entire club, the players and the management of the team.

“Most importantly, the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters because when we were at home, they pushed us over the line. Our fans played a very important role in seeing us getting to the final.”

The Tshwane-based team had to reach the final without influential players Peter Shalulile and Thapelo Morena who were both on target the last time Sundowns met Ahly in Egypt. Sundowns are also missing Lucas Ribeiro and Sipho Mbule due to injuries.

“The absence of those players of course, they are very important. Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro, even Sipho Mbule and Thapelo Morena who you guys know very well here,” said Mokwena.

ALSO READ: Sundowns’ Mbule warned to change attitude to his game

“Their absence gives very good opportunities for others and for us to use the depth of the squad. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, I would rather focus on what we have. What we have are a group of players who are prepared to give their heart and soul to serve this football club.”

Sundowns will play Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca in a two-legged final. The first showdown will be away in North Africa while the return leg will be in Tshwane on November 11.

Wydad knocked the South African champions out of the Caf Champions League semi-final last season and lost to eventual champions Al-Ahly in the final.