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]]>This is despite the team being involved in a crucial CAF Champions League final. And the destiny of the Betway Premiership is out of their hands now.
Modiba scored the only goal as Sundowns defeated AS FAR 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
But while the Brazilians were focused on continental business, they were also keeping a close eye on the title race involving Orlando Pirates.
Pirates were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Durban City on Saturday — a result that keeps Sundowns’ slim league hopes alive heading into the final round of fixtures.
Modiba admitted the players were following the Pirates’ result closely.
“Yeah, no, obviously, when it was a draw, we were watching that game,” said Modiba.
“When it was a draw, we still believed, we always believe, anything can happen — but we also know the quality of Orlando Pirates, how bad they want the league.”
Despite Pirates remaining favourites to lift the title, Sundowns have not completely given up hope.
The Buccaneers still need a positive result against Orbit College FC in their final match to officially seal the championship.
Modiba says Sundowns will continue believing until the very end.
“Hopefully, in the last game against Orbit, they will have the same result, so we’ll just hope and pray. We always believe, you must always believe, so yeah, we believe,” he added.
Sundowns are chasing a ninth consecutive league title, but after surrendering top spot earlier in the season, they now face the real possibility of seeing Pirates end their dominance.
However, the Tshwane giants have placed themselves in a strong position to soften that blow after moving one step closer to CAF Champions League glory.
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]]>The Moroccan giants suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Aubrey Modiba scored the only goal of the match in spectacular fashion with a stunning free-kick in the 37th minute. The goals handed Masandawana a slim advantage heading into next weekend’s decisive second leg in Morocco.
However, Modiba’s afternoon ended on a worrying note after he appeared to suffer a hamstring injury later in the match.
Sundowns dominated large parts of the encounter and created several clear-cut opportunities but failed to put the tie beyond reach.
Striker Brayan León was guilty of missing multiple one-on-one chances that could have given the hosts a far bigger cushion.
Despite the defeat, Santos remains confident his side can still overturn the result and lift the trophy.
“We expected more opportunities to score, but we’re in the first half, and the second half will be next weekend,” said Santos.
“We have to do more. For sure, we will do more because we can.”
The Portuguese mentor admitted Sundowns are one of the strongest teams on the continent, but believes ASFAR are capable of producing a comeback at home.
“It was not easy because Sundowns is a very big team. A very strong team,” he added.
“Every member of our team knows we have a very good chance to face Sundowns next week and to do what we want.
“It’s to score, reverse the result, and get the title.” The second leg will be at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday.
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