sportskeeda
Marcelo Allende, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns, has acknowledged the difficulties of competing in Morocco ahead of the second leg of the CAF Champions League Final against AS FAR at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium this Sunday.
The Sundowns approach this pivotal match with a slight advantage, having secured a 1-0 victory over AS FAR in front of a lively crowd at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last Sunday.
Aubrey Modiba’s well-placed free-kick was the only goal of the match, granting Sundowns a slim lead as they head to Morocco for the return leg.
However, the Brazilians could have established an even more significant advantage, having had numerous opportunities to score.
This marks Sundowns’ second consecutive appearance in the CAF Champions League final, and they are determined to avoid a repeat of the previous season’s disappointment, where they were defeated by Pyramids FC in the away leg.
In Rabat, Sundowns are preparing for a tough battle against an opponent hungry for their first continental title since 1985, while the Chloorkop-based team aims for their first CAF Champions League victory since 2016.
Allende shared insights from the team’s previous encounters in Morocco and acknowledged the importance of preparation for another demanding challenge.
“We have the experience of playing in Morocco,” Allende remarked.
“Having faced Wydad, Raja, and AS FAR at this level before, we understand it will be a tough match. We are preparing as thoroughly as we can and must be ready for this game.”
Reflecting on the disappointment of last season’s final defeat, Allende conveyed the team’s resolve to amend that experience.
“We still feel the pain from last year,” he stated.
“But I believe we started this final in the best way possible, and now our focus needs to be on the second leg.”
The Brazilians are also closely watching the Betway Premiership title race, hoping for a stumble from Orlando Pirates against Orbit College on Saturday.
