Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido has warned that his side face a difficult challenge in Morocco next weekend despite securing a 1-0 victory over AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final.
The South African champions earned a slender advantage at a packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday evening thanks to a superb first-half free-kick from Aubrey Modiba. However, Cupido said Sundowns were aware that the tie remained finely balanced ahead of the return match in Rabat.
“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 defender’s appearance in the final had been uncertain after he suffered a shoulder injury earlier this month during a Betway Premiership encounter against Kaizer Chiefs. Despite concerns over his fitness, he recovered in time to start in central defence alongside Khulumani Ndamane and played a key role in ensuring Sundowns did not concede at home.
Sundowns controlled much of the possession throughout the contest but were unable to extend their lead after Modiba’s strike in the 37th minute. The South African side created several opportunities but failed to add a second goal that could have provided a more comfortable cushion before travelling to Morocco.
AS FAR, who are aiming to win their first continental title since 1985, threatened at times through aerial balls and set-pieces. Defender Yunis Abdelhamid came close in the first half with a headed effort as the visitors attempted to capitalise on their physical strength.
Cupido acknowledged that Sundowns had prepared carefully for those dangers and believed the team had managed the threat effectively during the first leg.
“They are really good from the crosses and set-pieces as well, but as a team we knew their strengths and we worked on it in training — and today we didn’t give them space for opportunity, but we know when we play away it will be a different game. We don’t expect what they did today, will happen that side as well, it will be more difficult for us, but if we remain together it will be easier.”
The defender also highlighted the challenge posed by AS FAR’s supporters in Rabat, where Sundowns will attempt to defend their narrow lead in front of what is expected to be a hostile home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium.
“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 — but if we stand together as a united team, it’s going to be easier, but we know it will be hard work for us,” he said.
The second leg will determine whether Sundowns can secure a second CAF Champions League title, a decade after winning their first crown in 2016. While the Pretoria-based side will take confidence from their defensive display and home victory, Cupido’s comments reflected a squad aware that the contest remains far from settled.
With only a single goal separating the teams, Sundowns now face a decisive trip to Morocco where AS FAR will hope home advantage can help overturn the deficit and revive their hopes of continental success.
