“We Have The Pain From Last Year” — Allende

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has acknowledged how difficult it will be to play in Morocco ahead of the second leg of the CAF Champions League Final against AS FAR at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday.

Sundowns head into the decisive encounter with a narrow advantage after securing a 1-0 victory over AS FAR in front of a sold-out crowd at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.

Aubrey Modiba’s free-kick proved to be the only goal of the match, giving Sundowns a slender lead heading into the return leg in Morocco.

However, the Brazilians created several opportunities that could have put the tie beyond reach and handed them a more comfortable advantage going into the second leg.

This marks Sundowns’ second consecutive CAF Champions League final, and they will be eager to avoid a repeat of last season’s disappointment when they lost to Pyramids FC in the away leg of the final.

In Rabat, Sundowns are expecting a difficult challenge against an opponent chasing their first continental title since 1985, while the Chloorkop-based side is searching for its first CAF Champions League triumph since 2016.

Allende reflected on the team’s previous experiences playing in Morocco and admitted they are preparing for another tough encounter.

“I think we have the experience of playing in Morocco,” said Allende.

“We have played against Wydad, Raja, and AS FAR at this stage before, so we know it is going to be a difficult game. We are preparing in the best possible way, and we have to be ready for this match.”

Allende also reflected on the pain of last season’s final defeat and said the team is determined to make amends this time around.

“I think we still carry the pain from last year,” he said.

“But I believe we started this final in the best way possible, and now we have to focus on the second leg.”

The Brazilians are also keeping a close eye on the Betway Premiership title race, hoping Orlando Pirates drop points against Orbit College on Saturday.