Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido believes the South African champions face a far tougher challenge in Morocco after failing to fully capitalise on their dominance in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR.
Sundowns secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium thanks to a superb first-half free-kick from Aubrey Modiba, but Cupido admitted the scoreline could have been far more comfortable had his side converted their chances.
The defender acknowledged that Sundowns created enough opportunities to put the tie beyond reach before travelling to North Africa for the decisive second leg.
“It wasn’t that tough. I think we made it difficult for ourselves basically. We had good opportunities to kill the game off, but at the end of the day we still won with the 1-0 victory and keeping a clean sheet was the most important thing for us,” Cupido said after the match.
The Pretoria side dominated large spells of the first encounter, with striker Brayan Leon among the players unable to add to Modiba’s opener as Sundowns repeatedly threatened the Moroccan side’s defence.
Despite taking an advantage into the return leg, Cupido warned that the atmosphere awaiting Sundowns in Rabat will make the task significantly more difficult.
AS FAR are expected to play in front of a packed home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where the Moroccan giants have built a reputation for thriving under intense support.
“We know they are a very good team. When their supporters are behind them, when it’s a sold-out affair on that side, we know it’s going to be tough for us,” Cupido stated.
“But if we stand together as a united team, it’s going to be easier. Still, we know it will be hard work for us.”
Cupido also revealed that Sundowns had spent time preparing specifically for ASFAR’s strengths from crosses and set-pieces, areas the South African champions managed to control effectively in the first leg.
“They are really good from crosses and set-pieces as well, but as a team we knew their strengths and we worked on it in training,” he explained.
“Today we didn’t give them space or opportunities, but we know when we play away it will be a different game. We don’t expect what they did today to happen there as well. It will definitely be more difficult for us, but if we remain together it will be easier.”
Sundowns now head into the return leg knowing that a disciplined performance in Morocco could secure continental glory, but Cupido’s comments underline the belief within the squad that the tie remains far from decided.
