Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has sent a bold message to the Moroccan giant Raja Club Athletic ahead of their CAF Champions League game.

The Tshwane giant played a 1-1 draw in their second game in the Champions League group stage against AS FAR in Morocco on Saturday. 

The former Stellenbosch attacker Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal for the Brazilians. Mngqithi’s side remains in position number two with only two points in two games. The log leaders AS FAR currently have four points. 

The Brazilians are set to face the other Moroccan giant Raja in matchday 3 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday. Mngqithi says Raja must expect a tough game against his side because the Brazilians are dangerous when playing at home. 

 “It’s another game that we must look at very closely,” Mngqithi said. 

“But all I can tell you is that at home, it’s always going to be difficult for any other opponent that plays against us. At this stage, we have to try to win matches and I think we have put ourselves in a very good position. 

“Another thing, Raja and AS Maniema Union played a draw and I think that’s put us in a good position in the group. It’s a draw that everyone would have loved more if we collected three points against AS FAR, but unfortunately in football, you must accept what you got. 

“I’m very happy with how my players performed, and I think at home it will be better.” 

Meanwhile, the former Golden Arrows coach also said that they will beat AS FAR in South Africa in the second round if they can continue to play the way they did on Saturday. 

“It will be different, it’s a promise that I can tell you,” Mngqithi added. 

“If we could play the way that we played against them [AS FAR] in their home ground with all their supporters and making a very good noise, I think we will be victorious in the game.” 

This game will be in January 2025 and will be the last game in the group stage for both sides. Before playing this game, the Brazilians will first travel to DR Congo to face AS Maniema Union.