Mokwena: The Message Stays Consistent

Mamelodi Sundowns have taken a huge step towards the African Football League final after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Al Ahly in the first leg of their semi-final on Sunday afternoon. Thapelo Maseko’s superb strike in the second half was enough to hand the Brazilians the victory, and head coach Rulani Mokwena was quick to thank the team’s supporters for their role in the win.

“We are very proud of the players,” Mokwena told SABC Sport. “We are very proud of the yellow nation – the supporters for coming out in their numbers to push the team and to support the team. They really, really pushed us in the second half and we are very grateful to the Masandawana family and nation for their support.”

The Brazilians now travel to Cairo for the second leg of the semi-final on Wednesday evening. Mokwena is not getting carried away with the first-leg win, however, and has warned his players to remain focused as they look to secure a place in the final.

“Halftime, the message remains the same,” Mokwena said. “We would’ve said halftime at 0-0, we would have said it halftime regardless of what the score-line is. Now we go again.”