AS Maniema Union head coach Papy Kimoto says they were not surprised by Mamelodi Sundowns as they analysed their matches against Kaizer Chiefs.
Union secured a goalless draw against Sundowns in their CAF Champions League group stage debut which many viewed as a surprise result.
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Sundowns coach Manqoba Mnggithi has in the past, praised Union as a quality outfit and reiterated yesterday that perhaps they are underrated and will have a huge say in the group this campaign.
Kimoto felt Sundowns were forced into playing they way they did with his defensive approach to the game in Tshwane, and it was meticulous after the matches they managed to analyse before their meeting.
“No [we weren’t surprised how Sundowns played], we made them play the way they played because we had more defensive football, we cannot play or try to play a possession game with Sundowns, they are better at that,” he said.
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“I saw some games against Kaizer Chiefs in the beginning of the league, they played the same way and I will say they played very well, we made them play that way of kind of attacking without not really getting to us because of having more defenders.
“I wouldn’t say that it was unlike Sundowns since I didn’t watch Sundowns last year in the Champions League, I cannot compare the two – so you have to adapt when the opposition is better than you.
“I’m happy with the draw, it’s more than enough for us.”
Union will now host Moroccan giants Raja Athletic Club on Saturday 7 December at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
