Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Matthew Booth has shared his thoughts on how the team should approach the game against Tanzanian giants Young Africans in the CAF Champions League.
The two sides will meet in the second leg of the quarter-final on Friday, 5 April, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Kickoff is at 20H00.
Yanga SC and Sundowns played out to a goalless draw in a mouthwatering first-leg clash last Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Heading into the encounter, both teams will be aiming to book a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Last season, Masandawana suffered heartbreak as they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC on the away goal rule. On the other hand, last campaign Yanga were participating in the CAF Confederation Cup and lost in the final against USM Alger also on the away goal rule.
BOOTH SAYS SUNDOWNS SHOULD BE AWARE OF YANGA COUNTER-ATTACKS
The former Bafana Bafana international says Masandawana should be solid at the back and be aware of Yanga’s counter-attacks. Booth anticipates that the Tanzanian side will approach the game in a defensive manner, play on a low block.
“It was clear in the first-leg that Young Africas play on counter-attack,” Booth told FARPost. “I think Sundowns were a bit lucky that Yanga didn’t score from one or two chances.
“There were too much space, too much gaps. Yanga have pacey forwards. Sundowns defence have to be on high alert and up on their toes and just watch out for the quick counters.
“The defenders have to read the possibility of the counters; that’s the dangerous aspect. Sundowns were good on the ball, probably they will have the same amount of possession if not more [on Friday].
“In this case, I think patience will be key for Sundowns to get a desired result.”
RELATED STORY: Sundowns’ new signing that has impressed Matthew Booth
