Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has reacted to his side eliminating Al Ahly from the African Football League, and sent a special message to the Masandawana faithful.
Mokwena’s men beat the CAF Champions League winners 1-0 on aggregate after holding the African giants to a goalless draw in front of 50,000 fans in Cairo on Wednesday.
Sundowns were under massive pressure in the first half, with Ronwen Williams saving a penalty, but persevered and Mokwena hailed the attitude of his players after the match, while expressing his respect for the home side.
“Don’t worry I don’t have a piece of paper with a list of incidents,” Mokwena said after the match.
“We are friends. Football has the power to unite people and we will always have the respect for Al Ahly and Egypt.
“So with a lot of humility I sit in front of you, first commiserations to Al Ahly. With a lot of humility and respect.
“But also allow me to congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns in front of your presence. Mamelodi Sundowns showed a lot of character but also gyle and perseverance in what was a very difficult 90 and 7 minutes against a very strong team.
“I must be honest and I must tell you that this semi-final was won in South Africa in the first leg. That 1-0 result was very big.
“And I would like to congratulate the entire club, the players, the management of the team, but most importantly the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters, because when we were at home they pushed us over the line. And our fans played a very important role in seeing us go to the final.”
Sundowns will now face Wydad AC in the two-legged final, first away from home on Sunday, 5 November, before welcoming them at home on 11 November.
