Ncikazi Rallies South Africa Behind Sundowns For CAF Glory
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has put his club allegiance aside, urging everyone to rally behind Mamelodi Sundowns, emphasizing that at this stage, they are representing the country.
Sundowns needs all the support they can get after being held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final by Egyptian side Pyramids at Loftus Stadium on Saturday. It was a painful conclusion for Sundowns as they conceded what was virtually the last kick of the match from Walid El Karti, canceling out Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s goal for Sundowns.
Pyramids will now host Sundowns in the second-leg final at the 30 June Stadium on Sunday at 19:00. The Egyptian team reached the final after defeating Pirates 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-final. The first leg in South Africa had ended in a goalless draw, but Pyramids stormed into the final by coming from behind twice to win the return match.
“Sundowns are at the stage where they are representing the country; they are no longer representing a team,” said Ncikazi. “We support them. Sundowns have done it before. I thought they have had results where results were not favorable for them when they have been away. I think they are experienced enough to find the result away from home.”
He continued: “Remember this is CAF; scoring a goal away [is vital]. They just need to score two goals; 2-2, 3-3, it’s okay. So, for me, the result favors them more than Pyramids.”
In the Champions League final, Sundowns has been in this position before, having played a draw at home. They drew 1-1 at Loftus Stadium against Al Ahly in 2001. Gift Kampamba fired a left-footed shot past legendary goalkeeper Essam El Hadary in the 26th minute. However, Sayed Abdelhafiz found an equalizer with a header in the 56th minute.
Heading into the second leg at Cairo International Stadium, Sundowns, then under the late Ted Dumitru, was required to attack the Egyptian side. As they did so, they left gaps open, and Khaled Bebo scored three goals (including two penalties) past John Tlale, leading to Al Ahly winning the competition 4-1 on aggregate.
Sundowns, who are in the Champions League final for the third time, are aiming to become the first South African side to win Africa’s premier club competition twice, having first won it in 2016 under legendary coach Pitso Mosimane.
Pic courtesy of Inja Ka MoyaSnaps
