Mamelodi Sundowns have spent over R2 million on a private charter to Mali, prioritising player recovery as they look to protect their 3-0 aggregate lead. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns may have taken a commanding lead in their CAF Champions League quarter-final after overwhelming Stade Malien with a 3-0 victory in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last Friday. However, the South African side must remain cautious as they prepare for the return fixture in Bamako, where the Malian outfit are poised to wage a fierce comeback.
Stade Malien’s head coach, Mauril Njoya, has emphatically stated that his side can turn the situation around when they host the return clash at the Stade du 26 Mars on Sunday evening. Despite the disappointing outcome in Pretoria, Njoya’s confidence hinges on the belief that his players were their own worst enemies during the first match.
“I can say there is a lot of regret because we gave Mamelodi Sundowns an easy win,” he lamented. “In Bamako, we will show who we are.”
Njoya made it clear that his teams experienced a host of challenges in South Africa, including a depleted squad plagued by injuries and suspensions. He is, however, optimistic about the return of these key players, which he believes will spark a turnaround in the tie.
“In Bamako, we will have all of them back. I can tell you, we will turn the situation around in Bamako,” Njoya asserted.
Despite Sundowns’ dominance and clinical finishing in the first leg, Njoya refused to concede defeat to Sundowns’ superior experience.
“This is not because of their experience in the Champions League or because they were stronger than us. In football, such things can happen,” he added, highlighting his teams' focus on correcting their mistakes.
Meanwhile, Sundowns are taking no chances as they navigate the logistical hurdles of travelling to Bamako. Rather than taking the traditionally long commercial flights from Johannesburg, which can take over 30 hours, Sundowns have opted for a charter flight, significantly reducing travel time to just nine hours.
This move, although costing an estimated $120 000 (about R2.2 million) to $150 000 (R2.7 million), reflects their determination to arrive as fresh as possible ahead of this demanding fixture, which marks their 15th match since 19 January. The decision could prove even more important with the Brazilians set to play Gallants on Tuesday (kick-off 7.30pm) at Loftus Versfeld.
As excitement builds for the clash, Sundowns are bracing themselves for a spirited fight from Stade Malien. The return leg promises to be a captivating contest, where fortunes could change dramatically under the watchful eyes of supporters in Bamako.
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