After defeating Al Ahly, an Egyptian team, in what was dubbed the African Derby on a soggy Sunday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld, Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate their victory in the first leg of the African Football League semi-finals.
Masandawana made a statement at home when Thapelo Maseko scored a long-range goal that startled Mohammed El Shenawy, the goalkeeper for the visiting team.
When reviewing what was a thrilling encounter, Coach Rulani applauded his side for the important goal that sees them heading to the second leg with an upper hand.
A big congratulations to the team. I think firstly, the performance was very good.
We played well, we controlled the game, and we gave zero chances in both the first and second half.
We had plenty of opportunities, but we prevailed 1-0. Many congrats to Mamelodi Sundowns, especially to the players.
Bafana Ba Style will need to find the back of the net and score more goals in the second leg to extend their one-goal lead and possibly advance to the final.
Coach Rulani believes that Maseko’s goal is not the last goal to be scored by his side in these semi-finals.
We know we have a goal in Cairo, and Al Ahly knows it as well, which worries them out.
They have received the message that Sundowns may score in Cairo.
You could feel the players’ displeasure as they walked off the field, because I’m sure the first thing they’ll be thinking is that Sundowns must not score an away goal.
The game is only halfway through, so let us see what transpires. I think this will be an interesting game, but as I said, I think they also know Sundowns has a goal, if not two, in Cairo, he remarked firmly.
Coach Rulani further expressed his gratitude to the 12th man, the Yellow Nation, who came out in numbers to support Bafana Ba Style and remained until the very last minute, even though the weather conditions were tricky.
I also want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our supporters, the Yellow Nation, for their outstanding attendance, pitching, and participation in the game.
Even Teboho Mokoena’s cry for help was received with warmth and a very humble reaction.
The Yellow Nation gave an incredible performance that was witnessed by fans on both ends of the stadium. So big congratulations to them and for their performance, he concluded.