Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has reacted to his side’s first-leg defeat in the African Football League final against Wydad Athletic Club at Stade Mohamed V.
Sundowns found themselves trailing at half-time following a Rivaldo Coetzee own goal, but came back in the second stanza thanks to a converted penalty by Abdelmounaim Boutouil. However, they suffered another sucker punch when Anas Serrhat scored the winner just three minutes later.
Mokwena, insisted that it’s only half-time in the tie but is very well aware that his side need to improve if they want to lift the trophy.
“Congrats to Wydad on the win, it’s only half-time,” he told SABC.
“Let me also congratulate my players for an incredible effort, fighting spirit to come back and try very, very hard.
“Our attack was not as potent and aggressive, but ok we take the away goal and we move.
“It’s two good teams, very difficult [tie]. We have to win, and we’ll do our best to win.”
Mokwena also questioned whether Wydad’s Yahya Jabrane should have been sent off for his handball inside the box, which gave Sundowns a deserved penalty.
“If I really tell you the truth maybe I’m in trouble,” he said when asked what made the difference on the night.
“Because I think [if] Jabrane gets a red card instead of a yellow, then it’s 10 vs 11 but that’s football, you know what I mean.”
Sundowns take on Wydad at Loftus Versfeld Stadium next week Sunday, at 15:00.
