Allende: Sundowns Must Speed Up Play Against Deep-Lying Team

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcello Allende stressed the importance of accelerating their ball movement when facing opponents who adopt a deep defensive strategy, following their first-leg victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the CAF Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.

The Betway Premiership log leaders secured a crucial 1-0 win against Espérance Sportive de Tunis, giving them a significant advantage as they prepare for the second leg at Stade Olympique Hammadi-Agrebi in Rades on Tuesday night.

This victory served as sweet revenge for Sundowns, who were eliminated by the four-time African champions in last season’s semi-finals under their former coach, Miguel Cardoso.  

Current Sundowns coach, Cardoso, who oversaw a dominant performance at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday, will now aim to guide his team to their third consecutive CAF Champions League semi-final appearance.

“You know the other teams when they play in Pretoria; when we’re at home, they wait a little deep,” said Allende.

“I think we know we need patience, move the ball faster, quicker, and take the opportunity,” he added.

The 25-year-old also acknowledged the threat posed by North African teams in set-piece situations.

“We know the North teams, they are very dangerous in set pieces,” he said.

The winner of this tie will advance to face either Al Ahly or Sudanese side Al Hilal in the semi-final. Al Ahly, the defending champions, secured a victory in their first leg on Tuesday.