Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala has underlined the importance of an early breakthrough when his side takes on Egypt’s Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday.
The South African outfit head into the clash at Cairo’s June 30 Stadium with the tie finely poised following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
A late equaliser from Pyramids has left Sundowns with work to do away from home, and Mvala believes a quick start will be essential to swing momentum back in their favour.
“We need to kill the game early by scoring more goals,” Mvala said, acknowledging the impact of conceding late in the opening match. He explained that while Sundowns were largely successful in controlling their opponents for most of the first leg, a brief lapse in concentration proved costly.
Mvala stressed that striking early in Cairo would not only tilt the match tactically, but also psychologically unsettle their Egyptian hosts.
“If we can score early, it puts pressure on them and breaks their confidence,” he added. “As long as it’s still 1-0, they will believe they can come back, especially late in the match.”
Sundowns, who are seeking a second CAF Champions League title following their 2016 triumph, are determined not to let the opportunity slip away.
Mvala admitted that while the team achieved one of their seasonal targets by reaching the final, they are far from satisfied with a draw in the opening leg.
“We are happy to have achieved one of our goals this season, but not satisfied with the result of the first match,” he stated, making clear that the squad remains fully focused on the task ahead. “We want to win the match and bring the trophy home.”
With the away goals rule still in effect in CAF competitions, the 1-1 draw in Pretoria means Pyramids FC will advance with a goalless draw in Cairo.
Sundowns, therefore, not only need to score, but must also guard against conceding.
Mvala’s rallying call reflects the urgency and belief within the Sundowns camp, as they look to cap a promising season with continental silverware.
The final kicks off on Sunday evening at 18:00 local time, with the stakes as high as ever for both sides.
