Mvala: Sundowns must stop conceding from crosses in Cairo

AFTER finally breaking their CAF Champions League semi-final curse, Mamelodi Sundowns must overcome a defensive obstacle in order to boost their silverware chances.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Sundowns are in the continental showpiece final for the first time since winning the crown in 2016, having exited in the semi-finals in the past two seasons. However, they did not start the first leg of the two-legged final on a positive note, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow finalists Pyramids at home, Loftus Versfeld, last Saturday.

Sundowns allowed Pyramids to sneak in the equaliser deep in stoppage time, giving the Egyptian side a crucial away goal advantage heading into the second leg in Cairo on Sunday night (7pm kick-off).

Despite being the best team domestically — with eight successive Premiership titles — and one of the most consistent on the continent, lapses in concentration have plagued Sundowns’ cup campaigns.

The Brazilians have often conceded late, costly goals that have derailed their ambitions.

They have suffered similar setbacks in Africa, including Mothobi Mvala’s own goal in the dying moments of last year’s semi-final second leg against Wydad Casablanca.