“A Huge Blow”: Sundowns Star Reveals Truth About Defensive Crisis Ahead Of Semifinal

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido admits losing Grant Kekana to a first-leg red card is a “huge blow”, heading into Saturday’s CAF Champions League semifinal second leg.

Sundowns will be without Kekana in the second leg against Espérance de Tunis at Loftus Stadium on Saturday after he was sent off in their 1–0 win on Sunday.

His absence is considered a major blow, given that his experience and leadership are crucial to the team’s defensive stability.

However, thanks to Sundowns’ squad depth, Cupido believes players such as Khulumane Ndamane and Kegan Johannes can step up and help fill the void.

“It’s a big blow. Grant has been here for years and has helped us a lot,” said Cupido.

“Then we have Ndamane, a very young but very good player. Kegan is also there. We believe they can fill Grant’s shoes, but they will also need my support because they are not as experienced at this stage of the tournament,” he added.

“We’ve been rotating our centre-backs well. Whoever gets an opportunity has taken it with both hands, and now there’s another chance for one of them to step in.”

Cupido added that the second leg will be challenging, but the team remains focused on securing a win.

“We know it’s not going to be an easy game. We may feel like we have one foot in, but it’s far from over,” he said.

“We have to work hard as a team and not dwell on the previous game. This is a new match for us, and we want to win it.”