Mokwena pleased with performance despite Mvala’s red card
Rhulani Mokwena and his troops will now face Al Ahly in the semi-final of the African Football League on Sunday.
Mamelodi Sundowns Rhulani Mokwena was pleased after his side secured the second semi-final spot in the African Football League, following a goalless draw against Angolan side, Petro de Luanda.
The Pretoria side, playing at home, came into the match with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
ALSO READ: Eight coaches in five years for Chiefs but zero trophies to show
MOKWENA FULL OF PRAISES FOR PETRO DE LUANDA
Mothobi Mvala received a straight red card in the opening 10 minutes but despite early set back , Sundowns managed to hold Petro to a 0-0 draw
Mokwena gave credit to the opposition after the match.
ALSO READ: Rhulani Mokwena: 365 days, 50 games & 35 wins at Sundowns!
“It was a difficult game against a very good opponent, I have already mentioned how good they are. They have a team that is very capable of building from the back. They have three centre backs; Kinito (Joaquim Balanga), Pedro Pinto and Ignatius Miguel, who are very aggressive with the ball and it’s very difficult to take the ball away from them.
“When you have a player like William Soares da Silva also in the midfield who sits as a pivot and connects the lines, it becomes very difficult. Pedro Miguel was missing but they have got so much quality with him and Carlinhos,” Mokwena said.
ALSO READ: Ex-Chiefs coach sends Kaizer Motaung a “special message”
ALSO READ: Lorch first Pirates appearance of the season earns him MOTM
With a 2-0 advantage and having key players out due to injury, Mokwena knew that his troops needed to make things difficult for the Angola giants.
“We did very well and I am proud of the players. They got a red card in the first minute, which complicated the game, but the boys showed good courage, good spirit and a sense of brotherhood. I want to congratulate and appreciate them for their efforts and putting the team through to the semi-finals of the competition.”
Mokwena and his team will now face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the semi-finals.