Komphela calls for courage as Sundowns chase CAF glory in Cairo

Senior coach Steve Komphela says Mamelodi Sundowns must remember what helped them overcome past challenges as they head into the final stretch to reclaim the CAF Champions League.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Sundowns will face Pyramids in the second leg of the final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday night (kick-off 7pm). The Brazilians travel to Egypt on the back foot, having conceded during their 1-1 draw with Pyramids in the first leg, giving the Egyptian side a valuable away goal.

Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring for the hosts early in the second half, but a lapse in concentration saw Walid El Karti net a late equaliser for the visitors. However, if any team can score and possibly win outright in North Africa, it’s Sundowns.

During their impressive run on the continent, the Brazilians held firm in away matches in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. They drew 0-0 with Esperance of Tunisia in the quarter-final second leg, advancing 1-0 on aggregate. In the semi-finals, they hosted Al Ahly in a goalless first leg before securing a 1-1 draw in Cairo, progressing on the away goals rule.