Sundowns’ Lunga unconcerned by Ahly’s home support

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga does not think a packed stadium in Cairo on Friday will be a problem for Masandawana in the Caf Champions League semifinal, second leg against Egypt’s Al Ahly. 

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Sundowns go into the match at the Cairo International stadium with plenty to do. They only managed a goalless draw in the home leg at Loftus Stadium. 

Cairo stadium set to be full for Sundowns-Ahly

Over 70 000 fans are expected to pack into the venue. The Egyptian government has reportedly relaxed crowd restrictions just for this match. 

“It is not anything for us,” said Lunga, however. 

“Playing in a big stadium is nothing new. Some of our players play for the national team where there are always huge crowds. It is normal for us and we must just do our best.” 

Sundowns’ players certainly make up a decent part of the Bafana Bafana squad. Sundowns also have plenty of experience of continental club football. 

This is the seventh time in eight years that Sundowns have reached the knockout rounds of the Champions League, though their only appearance in the final came when they won it back in 2016. 

This could be a tight game between two quality teams in Cairo, and could even go to a penalty shoot out. 

If the game is decided by spot kicks, Bafana captain and number one goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has plenty of pedigree in this arena. Lunga, however, wants the game decided in 90 minutes. 

‘A gambling thing’

“We don’t want it to go to penalties because it is a gambling thing,” said Lunga. 

“We will do our best to put a game in to win in 90 minutes.” 

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Sundowns do know that an away goal could be vital in Cairo, having at least kept a clean sheet at Loftus. 

A score draw for Miguel Cardoso’s men in Cairo would be enough to see them through.