Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido delivered a measured post-match assessment after the Brazilians edged AS FAR 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld on Sunday evening, admitting the job is far from done ahead of next weekend’s return fixture in Morocco.
Cupido’s very presence on the pitch was a story in itself. The defender had been a major doubt after picking up a shoulder injury in a Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month, but he recovered in time to start alongside Khulumani Ndamane in central defence — and delivered a disciplined performance to help keep a crucial clean sheet.
Aubrey Modiba’s stunning free-kick in the 37th minute proved to be the only goal of the night, with Sundowns controlling possession for long stretches but failing to find a second when the opportunities presented themselves.
“It wasn’t that tough, I think we made it difficult for ourselves basically, we had good opportunities to kill the game off, but at the end of the day we still won with the 1-0 victory and keeping a clean sheet was the most important thing for us,” Cupido said after the final whistle.
The Brazilians now take a slender lead into the second leg in Rabat, and Cupido was clear-eyed about the challenge awaiting them. AS FAR, who are chasing their first continental crown since 1985, will be a different proposition on home soil in front of their own supporters.
“We know they are a very good team, when their supporters are behind them, when it’s a sold out affair on that side, we know it’s going to be tough for us — but if we stand together as a united team, it’s going to be easier, but we know it will be hard work for us,” he said.
The Morocco-based side posed a consistent aerial threat throughout the evening, with Yunis Abdelhamid going close with a headed effort in the first half, and Cupido acknowledged that Sundowns had done their homework on those dangers 0 while warning they cannot expect the same conditions next week.
“They are really good from the crosses and set-pieces as well, but as a team we knew their strengths and we worked on it in training — and today we didn’t give them space for opportunity, but we know when we play away it will be a different game. We don’t expect what they did today, will happen that side as well, it will be more difficult for us, but if we remain together it will be easier.”
The second leg takes place at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium next Sunday, with Sundowns carrying a precious one-goal advantage into enemy territory as they bid for a second CAF Champions League title, 10 years on from their maiden triumph in 2016.