A second leg fixture in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League awaits Mamelodi Sundowns. They are set to host Angolan side, Wiliete SC on Friday night at Loftus Versfeld.
Wiliete held Masandawana to a goalless goal in the first leg of the qualifiers in Lubango. Meanwhile, for the hosts, this will be a golden opportunity to keep their lengthy unbeaten streak at Loftus Versfeld by winning. A win would also mean coach Miguel Cardoso’s troops will be advancing to the group stages of the competition.
Ahead of the return fixture, coach Cardoso stated his side will be treating this match like a final, to ensure they qualify for the group stages.
“The level of preparation we have put is the same as for an important final. I don’t look at the fact that we drew away as a negative and I’m saying that with all due respect. We arrived in Angola and produced a result that puts us in the match and all we need is to just finish it on Friday,” the coach stated.
While admitting the encounter will not be a walk in the park for his side, coach Miguel also backed his side to emerge victorious and he’s certain he will have a squad that will be capable to get the job done in Pretoria.
“It’s not going to be easy because there are no easy things in the Champions League. If we think it’s going to be easy, then we would be misjudging the situation. Wiliete have quick players in the front, energy in the middle and centre backs that are stable. They need to be respected and I showed that respect from the beginning.”
“We are also gathering the energy, mentality and connection and we will find the best players to start the match and those who will help us to finish it, and we will move on from there. While we respect our opponents, I don’t want my players to show too much respect to anyone inside the four lines. That will mean respect for ourselves is higher than what you have for the opponents. It’ll be a good game and we look forward to it,” the Portuguese tactician concluded.
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Wiliete SC for the second leg of the CAF Champions League qualifiers on Friday at Loftus Versfeld. Kick-off has been scheduled for 20H00, live on SABC Sports
