Mamelodi Sundowns must seize the 'advantage' after Pyramids suffer 'disaster'

IOL News

3 days ago

In a rare twist of fortune for a South African football team in CAF competitions, Mamelodi Sundowns find themselves in a promising position ahead of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final.
The clash against Egypt's Pyramids FC on Sunday in Cairo follows a hard-fought 1–1 draw in the first leg at Loftus Stadium last weekend. While Sundowns are looking to secure their second Champions League star, the challenges for Pyramids FC have mounted significantly.
Despite scoring a valuable away goal in Pretoria, Pyramids head into the return leg under testing circumstances. The Egyptian Professional Clubs Association has refused to postpone their league fixture against Ceramica Cleopatra, which was scheduled for Wednesday — just days before the continental final.
This decision has prompted coach Krunoslav Jurčić to label the situation a 'disaster.' He expressed frustration at what he sees as a lack of support from the domestic football authorities, leaving his side to face a relentless schedule with little respite.
'We are one club; we don't have any support from the Egyptian football authorities. Zero support. We're alone. This is a disaster. I don't want to say any bad words,' said Jurčić.
He emphasised that the fatigue from a midweek fixture could prove costly, especially when preparing to face a strong and disciplined side like Sundowns in a high-stakes match.
Meanwhile, although Sundowns conceded a late equaliser at Loftus, head coach Miguel Cardoso remains optimistic about their chances in Cairo. He underlined the importance of staying mentally strong and maintaining belief in their ability to win on Egyptian soil.
"We can't afford to let our guard down, but I believe in my team. We have the capacity and the strength to go there and fight with them,' said Cardoso.
He stressed the need for a winning mindset:
'There is only one thing to do, and that is picking up the attitude and going there to win. We can score more than one goal to balance the game to our side and take it from there.'
Cardoso's comments reflect the determined spirit that has characterised Sundowns' journey throughout the tournament. Despite setbacks, he insists this is a moment to draw upon collective resolve, not retreat.
'It is time to understand that the situation is there, this match is still open, and we just have to believe.'
Reflecting on the first leg, Cardoso acknowledged that lapses in focus contributed to the late equaliser. He said his side lost their attacking impetus after taking the lead and became overly focused on defending the result.
'After we scored the goal, the team started thinking about closing the result rather than going for a second goal,' he explained, noting that this shift in mentality created vulnerabilities that Pyramids ultimately exploited.
Now, as both teams prepare for the decisive second leg, the stakes could not be higher. For Sundowns, it's a chance to add another star to their badge and solidify their status among Africa's elite. For Pyramids, it's a battle not just on the pitch, but against mounting pressure, fatigue, and internal frustrations.