Mamelodi Sundowns Optimistic Ahead of Asec Mimosas Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns are optimistic of picking victory when they meet titans Asec Mimosas in a CAF Champions League Group A encounter at Loftus Stadium on Friday.

The Brazilians suffered their first Absa Premier League loss of the season with a 2-0 defeat to AmaZulu on Tuesday, but they feel stronger as they prepare to lock horns with the Ivorian side in the third game of their CAF Champions League group stage campaign.

“It’s going to be a difficult game. We’ve got to be strong and be ready to penetrate them, guard against counter-attacks and set-pieces,” said Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.

“And you know the west Africans are big boys. We’ve got to really work around the clock to get the better of them. But most of the work is mental, more than physical.”

This is the first-ever meeting between the two sides but the Brazilians will be banking on their fine home record in the competition in recent years, which has seen them claim six wins in nine matches.

“We also have to be careful about going too hard. We’re like an eggshell at the moment, if you press it too hard it crumbles,” Mosimane added.

“It might take longer to come back. You could see some of our players are not fresh.”

“It’s fatigue. But we aren’t complaining; we’ve been here long enough. One win will give us a good mental edge.”

Asec Mimosas are winless in their last three away matches, having suffered two defeats in that run.

All four teams in Group A, which includes Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Nigeria’s Lobi Stars, are on three points after two games.