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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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]]>The highly anticipated clash will take place at Loftus Stadium, where Sundowns have built an impressive record against Moroccan opposition in recent years. The game starts at 4 pm.
The Brazilians are unbeaten in their last eight home Champions League matches against Moroccan clubs, recording four wins and four draws.
Sundowns have also reached the CAF Champions League final for the fourth time in the club’s history — more than any other PSL side.
They previously lost to Al Ahly SC in 2001, defeated Zamalek SC to lift the title in 2016, and fell short against Pyramids FC in last season’s final.
Cardoso, however, insists history and statistics will count for little unless his players deliver on the pitch.
“Obviously, a complete match will allow us to take advantage of the situation,” said Cardoso. “Are we capable of doing it? Of course, we are capable of doing it.”
The Portuguese mentor believes Sundowns must combine tactical discipline, energy, and emotional control to succeed before next weekend’s return leg in Morocco.
“Are we committed and ready to put in the proper energy to do it? Of course we are,” he added.
“Do we need the help of our supporters to cheer us on and bring the energy that will help us manage the emotions throughout the match and achieve the result? Of course, we need that.”
Sundowns head into the final with strong home form in the competition.
They are unbeaten at home in the Champions League over the past two seasons, winning six and drawing five of their 11 matches.
Even more impressively, they have won their last three home matches in the tournament without conceding a goal.
Cardoso’s side has also become known for its possession-based football.
Sundowns have scored six goals this season from build-up sequences involving 10 or more passes — three times more than every other team combined in the competition.
Meanwhile, striker Brayan León has emerged as Sundowns’ main attacking weapon.
The Colombian has scored five of Sundowns’ last seven Champions League goals and found the net in each of his last four starts in the competition.
“And that is exactly where we need to be,” Cardoso continued.
“Understanding the quality of the opposition, but also recognising the strength we have within our own team.
“That is what we need to push ourselves to the limit, minimise what the opponent can do, and approach this match in the correct way.”
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]]>Masandawana are gearing up for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR. They go into the game soon after a painful 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership earlier this week.
That defeat handed Orlando Pirates fresh hope in the title race and increased pressure on Miguel Cardoso’s side.
However, Santos says the focus inside the Sundowns camp has now completely shifted to continental football.
“Every game is difficult, not only this one, but all the previous matches in the Champions League were difficult,” Santos said.
“We know the responsibility that we have, and I think our focus has now moved to the first leg of the Champions League final. So we cannot do anything to change what happened before.”
Despite recent setbacks, the Portuguese midfielder reminded critics that Sundowns are still leading the Betway Premiership standings.
“We are top of the log right now — that’s what we know,” he said. “The players, the coach, and the club want to win this trophy so that we can give that joy to our supporters.”
Santos also admitted that Sundowns need to urgently fix their defensive issues after conceding seven goals in their last two matches.
The midfielder expects AS FAR to present a completely different challenge compared to previous opponents.
“They are different, and we expect a very physical game,” he explained. “We experienced many different environments this season — Mali, Nigeria, Congo, Tunis, and Algiers. Every team and every environment was different.
“But we are Mamelodi Sundowns, and we have to be ready for anything that comes our way in the final,” added Santos.
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