Mamelodi Sundowns’ head honcho, Rulani Mokwena, had nothing but admiration for the Masandawana supporters after their triumphant conquest against Al Ahly in the semi-final opener of the African Football League.
On Sunday, a second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko propelled Masandawana to a 1-0 victory over Ahly, setting the stage for an exhilarating return leg in Cairo this Wednesday.
With characteristic caution, Mokwena urged everyone, most notably his own squad, to maintain their composure and stay grounded, despite the spirited win. He didn’t miss a chance to express his pride in the team’s relentless effort.
“Half-time, the message remains consistent. Whether it’s 0-0 at half-time or any other score, we maintain our focus. We’re tremendously proud of the players,” Mokwena declared in an interview with SABC Sport.
“The yellow nation—the fervent supporters who turned out in droves to rally behind the team — they truly propelled us during the second half. We’re deeply grateful to the Masandawana family and nation for their unwavering support, and now, we embark on the journey once more,” he continued.
In the upcoming second leg, any form of victory or even a draw would suffice to usher Sundowns into the final. Ahly find themselves in a precarious situation, needing two unanswered goals to overturn the deficit incurred in the first leg.