Sundowns boss Rulani Mokwena hails his troops after Al Ahly

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has praised his players after bagging a crucial draw against Al Ahly on Saturday night.

Mokwena singled out the versatile Thapelo Morena whom he says is a top professional.

The Brazilians were held by the Cairo-based giants but they remain unbeaten in Group B after playing three matches.

Morena, who was introduced in the second half, grabbed a late equaliser to secure a vital point for the Brazilians that saw them reach seven points in Group B after three matches.

“We are disappointed we only got one point because we wanted all three, we wanted to win today and didn’t but it is an important point against a very good team,” said Mokwena.

“Two things that I have to say, which are important, one is congratulations to Thapelo Morena. It was difficult to have him on the bench.

“He has been very good for us and then he comes in with an important goal to make it 2-2; incredible attitude, incredible human-being, top footballer.”

Striker Peter Shalulile had given Sundowns a lead before the interval but the Red Devils hit back in the second half through goals from Mohamed Abdelmonem and Hussein El Shahat before Morena levelled with 10 minutes remaining.

“Congratulations to my players because it was a very difficult game against a very good side and a team that made us work very hard for the point,” he added.

“We wanted to get three points, but it was not easy against Al Ahly. You have to give them a lot of respect.

“And then the second thing is the technical staff, my staff worked on this game, very hard. In terms of the advanced [team], to the analysts, incredible investment, we watched seven, eight games.

“This morning [Saturday], we watched another two games. Congratulations to the coaches, coach Manqoba [Mngqithi], coach Steve Komphela, so congratulations to the staff, and when I say staff, I mean medical team, support staff, Flemming [Berg], everyone involved.”

The reigning DStv Premiership champions will host Ahly on March 11 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium – a victory will secure a spot for Downs in the quarter-finals.

Main Image: Mamelodi Sundowns/Twitter

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