Cavin Johnson explains how Sundowns should approach the Al Ahly game
Former Al Ahly assistant coach Cavin Johnson has revealed how Mamelodi Sundowns should approach their vital CAF Champions League match against the Egyptian giants on Saturday.
The match will take place in the backyard of Masandawana, Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 15:00.
The two sides from Group B faced off in the first leg a fortnight ago in Cairo and shared spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Sundowns currently sit in second place, behind Al Hilal on seven points after an impressive start to their Champions League campaign.
On the other hand, the 10-time African Champions, Al Ahly had a poor start to their campaign. They are in third place with only four points in the bag.
Johnson, who was Pitso Mosimane’s right-hand man at Ahly, told FARPost that the previous results in the first leg will give Sundowns the upper hand.
WHY SUNDOWNS SHOULD BE WARY OF AL AHLY
“I think Sundowns has the upper hand of Ahly now, in the game on Saturday,” Johnson told FARPost.
“Rulani [Mokwena] and his players know what it means to at least get a win and a draw to qualify for the next round.
“Sundowns also have at the back of their mind that if they try and eliminate Ahly out of the group stage, then they have a really good chance of winning the Champions League. But this is only the start of the tournament.
“So yes, it will be a very good game, but in saying that, they have to give Ahly all the respect.
“Because we know that Ahly have won this tournament many times, and they know what it is like to come out of the group stage.”
Johnson added:” So they are not going to come here and sit back on Saturday, and give Sundowns the opportunity to control the game or win the game.
“They are going to come out and play attacking football, very aggressive football that the Egyptians are known for.
“In saying that, I think Sundowns needs to be very careful as far as defending is concerned. But they [Sundowns] have a good arsenal in their attacking space,” Johnson added.
Johnson also added that, as far as Sundowns are a good side, they also need to be wary of the dangers that Al Ahly might cause owing to the experience the North Africans have in the competition.
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