CAF CL: Teboho Mokoena says Yanga’s plan to limit Mamelodi Sundowns worked perfectly

The two sides played out a goalless draw at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium with the Brazilians finding it difficult to create chances against a compact and organised Yanga team coached by former Sundowns boss Miguel Gamondi.

Reflecting on the result, and ahead of Friday’s second leg at Loftus Versfeld, the Downs midfielder explained they had planned to find an early goal but will now have to go back to the drawing board to achieve their aims of a semi-final place.

“We didn’t start well in the first half but I think the reaction was good in the second half,” Mokoena said.

“We didn’t create as many chances as we usually do. It was a really tough game. They were very solid at the back, they closed the spaces in the middle and forced us to play on the side which is something we don’t normally do. I think their plan really worked.

“We need to get back to South Africa and go back to the drawing board and improve on our performance. It was really hard today but what do you expect? It was an away game and not everything will favour us.”

Mokoena added that their opponents were also spurred on by the presence of 60 000 fans at the stadium.

“We wanted to get an early goal but we didn’t so we must sort it out in South Africa so we have to win at home. To Masandawana, you saw from Yanga fans that the stadium was fully packed. Maybe you please come on Friday to support and cheer for us. We really need you at Loftus Stadium,” Mokoena added.

Ahead of their second leg, Sundowns will face struggling Richards Bay in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday.