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.”
Victory at Loftus! Time to gear up for the away leg! ✅🔜
Mamelodi Sundowns (52' Maseko) 1⃣➖0⃣ Al Ahly#Sundowns #DownsLive #AFL pic.twitter.com/88gjmn4z2n
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) October 29, 2023
