Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has preached caution ahead of his side’s African Football League quarter-final second leg.
The Brazilians defeated Angolan side Petro de Luanda 2-0 at Estadio 11 de Novembro in their opening game on Saturday with goals from Marcelo Allende (67′) and Thapelo Maseko (80′).
But despite a commanding performance and a home clash to come, the Downs boss insists the tie is far from over.
Mokwena said in the Sowetan: “This is only half time and there is a second leg that’s still to come.
“You have seen many things happen in football, you have seen teams come back from greater scorelines. We look forward to taking the scoreline to South Africa but we approach it as 0-0 and a different ball game.”
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena have discussed how he plans to approach the quarter-final, second leg of the African Football League against Petro de Luanda.#FARPosthttps://t.co/RQQZjz1tOK
— FARPost_ZA (@FARPostZA) October 22, 2023
Sundowns were knocked out of the CAF Champions League in the quarter-finals in 2022 by the same team, but Mokwena is not looking for payback.
He added: “I never use the work revenge and never does my heart have those types of intentions.
“I like to live life as an optimistic person with good energy and positivity, so the word revenge doesn’t exist because it comes from a dark place.
“They are a good team but I have to give compliments to our team for an excellent shift and tactically we were very good.
“The first half was not that good from us, we struggled; but it was a fantastic second half and incredible compliments to the group for adaptation and an incredible performance throughout.”
