Super Downs do the business
Pitso Mosimane moved a step closer in his bid to become an African champion when the Brazilians qualified for the semifinals of the CAF Champions League.
|||Lucas Moripe Stadium
Mamelodi Sundowns (0)1Gabr OG 78
Zamalek 0
Johannesburg - A day after celebrating his 52nd birthday, Pitso Mosimane moved a step closer in his bid to become an African champion when the Brazilians qualified for the semifinals of the CAF Champions League.
Having always been vocal about his desire to win this cup, Jingles probably used his wish on Tuesday, as he blew the 52 candles on his birthday cake, to plead that if Khama Billiat goes overseas, it must happen after he has helped Sundowns add a star on top of their badge.
This is the closest Sundowns have been to winning the Champions League since 2001 when they lost in the final to Egyptian giants Al-Ahly.But what sets this generation apart from that class of 2001 is that their continental campaign has been a roller-coaster of emotions.
They have felt disappointment, twice. First when they were knocked out of the Champions League in the second round by AS Vita. They also couldn’t reach the CAF Confederation Cup play-offs after Ghana’s Medeama denied them that opportunity.
Happy Birthday Coach! pic.twitter.com/vy6DspTk1x
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 26, 2016
CAF gave them a life-line when they kicked out Vita for fielding a suspended player, with the Brazilian taking their place in the group stage.They haven’t looked back since then, brushing aside everyone in front of them to reach the semi-finals with a perfect record of four wins in four matches.
It could have been five had their victory over ES Setif stood.It was nullified because of the violent behaviour by the Algerian fans who couldn’t stand being embarrassed in their own backyard.They were kicked out of the tournament after that. But Sundowns aren’t complaining as they will finish on top of Group A.That means they will play the second leg of their semifinals clash at home.
Percy Tau’s deflected shot by Zamalek’s Ali Gabr helped the Brazilians keep their 100 percent record in a match that looked destined to end in a stalemate.
Even that would have been fine for Sundowns who needed just a point to reach the last four. But driven by Mosimane the perfectionist, Sundowns took home all three points.Tau was on the field for just 14 minutes when he helped break the deadlock after coming on for Themba Zwane.
Tau didn’t even celebrate when the goal went in, stunned because of how important it is for him in the Champions League where he was making his second appearance.Should Billiat leave the Brazilians, Tau is the one who is likely to try fill his big shoes.
But on Wednesday night Mosimane was only worried about filling Wayne Arendse and Tiyani Mabunda’s shoes as the pair was suspended.
Soumahoro Bangaly and Teko Modise started in their places.The towering Ivorian defender Bangaly slotted in finely at the back, but Mabunda was missed because Modise doesn’t trek back that much. This forced Hlompho Kekana to play right in front of the back four.
The Egyptian side weren’t that adventurous, patient in their build-up looking for just one opening and then close shop.
Thabo Nthethe read that well, coming up with timely interceptions.
Zamalek stopped short of coming with the entire Egyptian defence force to stop Billiat who had the skill and strength to even muscle his way between four defenders.But on Wednesday night was Mosimane’s night, with the Sundowns’ fans even singing him happy birthday after the match.
The Star