OPINION: Sundowns could do with a continental statement against Ahly

Mamelodi Sundowns have a chance to further their continental status on Wednesday evening as they take on Al-Ahly in Cairo for a place in the Caf African Football League final.

It’s safe to say that Masandawana’s place as South Africa’s strongest side is secure, but they still have plenty of catching up to do to stand toe-to-toe with a side like Ahly, winners of 11 Caf Champions League titles to Sundowns’ one.

There have been positive signs for Sundowns in their direct results against Ahly in recent times, but it is still the Egyptian giants who seem to go further in the continent’s biggest cup competition. As an example, just last season, Sundowns beat Ahly 5-2 at home in the group stages of the Champions League, and got a 2-2 draw in Cairo, but it was the Red Devils who ultimately lifted that 11^th title.

The newly formed Caf African Football League does not yet have the pedigree of the Champions League, but it would certainly be a feather in either Sundowns or Ahly’s cap if they could go on to capture the inaugural crown. It would also, with a $4 million first prize, do their bank balances no harm at all.

Hostile surroundings

Sundowns hold a narrow advantage from the first leg, Thapelo Maseko’s goal enough to win Sunday’s game, but are likely to have to play even better in hostile surroundings in the Egyptian capital.

If Sundowns can get through, they could well face Wydad Casablanca in the final, another side that they have plenty of history with.

If Rulani Mokwena’s side can beat both Ahly and Wydad, or Etoile du Sahel, Wydad’s semifinal opponents, as well as the African Football League title and the cash that goes with it, it should give them all the confidence in the world that they can go on and capture a second Champions League next year.

Sundowns have been so dominant domestically that they could certainly do with at least one more continental trophy, for their own evolution, and to bring North Africa’s giants down a peg or two.