Champions League Review: Sundowns escaped but earned their good fortune
- Andrew Olsson
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
After underwhelming scoreless draws in both first legs, the CAF Champions League semifinals ended with plenty of drama and suspense in Friday's second leg matches. In an anticipated battle for superiority in African club football between Egypt and South Africa, one club from each nation will be represented after Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC advanced.
Sundowns appear to be the favorites in the final but the South African champions have looked far from convincing. Needing a late own goal from Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim to advance on the away goal rule, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso and his team are celebrating but it was certainly more of an escape than a triumphant victory.
It is certainly a down year for Al Ahly and even though they were the defending African champions, it would have been a massive missed opportunity for Sundowns if they came up short. An appearance in the final is always something to celebrate but there are concerning trends for Cardoso and his team to remedy.
The reality remains that across their last four knockout stage ties in the CAF Champions League, Sundowns have only scored two goals in eight matches. Cardoso was quick to point out the defensive opponents they have faced but for a team that produces prolific attacking numbers in domestic play, Sundowns have found it difficult to break down the well organized defenses of North African clubs.
Cardoso certainly has an issue at the striker position. With little apparent trust in domestic forward Iqraam Rayners and Sundowns' Namibian poacher Peter Shalulile, Cardoso also did not use Arthur Sales and the Brazilian continues to display all the signs of being a massive bust. All three forwards did little to nothing after coming on as substitutes in Friday's draw.
Rayners has gone cold after a strong first half of the season and Shalulile is notably less prolific outside the easy hunting grounds of South African domestic football. It appears that Cardoso's strategy is to use star attacker Lucas Ribeiro in a free role but the Brazilian cannot be counted upon to do everything and the goal scoring support from Sundown's midfield has not arrived in continental competition.
All that considered, it must be said that Sundowns earned their good fortune on Saturday with positive play and there is no doubt that they have largely eclipsed Al Ahly even if they lack the Champions League trophies to show for it.
Ahly have failed to defeat Sundowns in nine consecutive matches and coach Marcel Koller, who was subject to jeers and objects being thrown at him after the defeat (video above), shocked Ahly supporters when he once again used a defensive five-defender formation...at home! It must be said that this approach nearly worked but the bigger picture shows just how Sundowns have perhaps surpassed the giants of North Africa, who certainly are having a down year across the board.
Enter Pyramids FC. In contrast to the sputtering play of clubs like Egyptian rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek as well as Moroccan giants Wydad and Raja and Tunisia's Espérance, the big bankrolled new kids on the block continue to progress. In contrast to previous seasons when they failed to reach expectations, Pyramids showed impressive resilience to twice come back from deficits before pipping Orlando Pirates in the other semifinal Friday.
Head coach Krunoslav Jurčić has established a consistent style of play but also is showing that different methods can be adopted when challenges are posed. The Pyramids team is well balanced with strong organization and possession in the center of the midfield but also attacking strength on the flanks where fullbacks Mohamed Hamdi and Mohamed Chibi continue to be excellent as well as unpredictable winger Mostafa Fathi.
Now a big question arises for Jurčić ahead of the final. It is clear that Mamelodi Sundowns struggle to break down low defensive blocks as seen against Al Ahly and Espérance in the quarterfinals. However, using such tactics goes against the mentality and style of Pyramids.
With notably slow central defenders who could be exploited by swift counter-attacks, Jurčić must find a balance between attack and defense because Sundowns could expose them if Pyramids are caught forward when they lose possession.
But Pyramids have something that Sundowns do not have. Congolese striker Fiston Mayele is finding his form and the former Young Africans star is ready to make a difference on the big stage after falling short in the CAF Confederation Cup final a few years back with Yanga. This Pyramids team has the talent and ability to overcome Sundowns but the tactics must be correct and the Cairo club must be as sharp as possible in possession.
It is difficult to evaluate Orlando Pirates against the other three semifinalists because the Soweto club did not spend their way to get to this point. It has been a highly successful campaign for the Bucs who must be commended for developing youth academy products who shined on African club football's highest stage.
Attackers Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota and talented defender Mbekezile Mbokazi are players to watch with Mofokeng already breaking out for the South Africa national team. There will be a transition period once head coach José Riveiro departs on amicable terms at the end of the season but the Spaniard has done brilliantly and his successor will have plenty to work with next season.
But now the stage is set for two deserved finalists who have all the quality to deliver an entertaining final. While the likely tactical battle may limit creativity and freedom somewhat, there are individual stars as well as excellent team chemistry that will be on full display. As supporters and observers of African football there is no doubt that when the final features clubs from both North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, we all win and are fully engaged.
