Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thabo Nthethe has backed his former side to make it to the final of the 2025 CAF Champions League despite not scoring in the first leg of their semi-final tie with Al Ahly.
The two sides played to a goalless draw in the first leg in Pretoria a week ago in a match the South African champions didn’t produce a single shot on target. Sundowns will need to win or get a goal without conceding for them to eliminate the defending champions and make it to the final for the first time in three years.
‘Mr Cool’, a Champions League winner with the Brazilians in 2016, spoke to iDiski Times senior writer Matshelane Mamabolo in the latest edition of the newspaper where he said not scoring at home is not a train smash.
“I think like everyone, I was disappointed that Sundowns did not score in the first leg at home,” Nthethe told iDiski Times.
“But it is not a train smash. I believe the boys have what it takes to win in Cairo. Of course, it won’t be easy because we all know how intimidating playing in Cairo can be. But these guys are experienced and have been in those environments in the past and will know how to overcome it.”
Nthethe’s confidence in Sundowns stems from what he termed a ‘different approach’ by the club to the continental game.
“Sundowns have been very different this time,” added the Casric Stars coach.
“They have played more for results [than to entertain] and I have been impressed by how solid they’ve been defensively. I think they can go to Al Ahly and keep a clean sheet and if it is goalless then they can go to penalties. But I’d rather they did not go that route and go for a win instead.”
“They have the ability to beat Ahly 1-0. So long as Teboho Mokoena is in control of the midfield and they use the pace of Thapelo Morena and Aubrey Modiba on the wings, they will have a chance.”
