Adams Compares Leon To Zlatan Ahead Of CAF Final

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has praised teammate Brayan León, saying the striker possesses qualities similar to retired Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimović.

León joined Sundowns during the January transfer window and has quickly made an impact with his goal-scoring ability. The Colombian forward has netted 15 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions for the Brazilians.

Leon scored the critical, match-winning goals in both legs of the CAF Champions League semifinal triumph over four-time African champions Esperance de Tunis.

With five continental, Leon enters the final trailing joint-leaders Taddeus Nkeng (Stade Malien) and Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly) by just a single goal, putting the CAF Golden Boot firmly within his grasp.

As Sundowns prepare for their two-legged CAF Champions League final against AS FAR at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, León will be hoping to add to his tally in the competition, where he currently has five goals.

Adams praised the striker’s fighting spirit and sharp instincts in front of goal.

“Brayan is a fighter,” said Adams.

“He’s like Ibrahimovic. He fights for every ball and presses relentlessly. He can turn a bad pass into a good one, and the quality he has inside the box is incredible for our team.”

Adams, who missed the last two league matches due to suspension after being sent off against Kaizer Chiefs FC, also said it would not be a major setback if defender Keanu Cupido is ruled out after suffering a shoulder injury during Sundowns’ 1-1 draw against Chiefs.

“Cupido is a very intelligent player and also a leader,” Adams said. “But I do not think it will be a huge loss because we have other players who can step in and do the job.”