CAF Champions League: Stade Malien to shock Sundowns? ‘It’s the end of the road’

Mamelodi Sundowns have been backed to easily make it to the CAF Champions League semi-final following the draw conducted on Tuesday.

Sundowns were paired with Malian side Stade Malien in the quarter-final in what many see as the easy draw, at last on paper, given the club are making their debut in the last eight.

However, Stade Malien topped a Group D that had Angolan champions Petro de Luanda, four-time Champions League winners Esperance and Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

That means they will be no pushovers but according to Ugandan player agent Paul Mujuni, Sundowns will blow them away.

‘Sundowns to beat Stade Malien’

Mamelodi Sundowns will face Stade Malien in the CAFCL quarter-final.

“I don’t think Sundowns will have any issues with Stade Malien,” Mujuni told KickOff. “Sundowns is a traditional CAF Champions League team, they know the tournament.”

“As the tournament progresses, they become a very difficult opponent to crack. Same as Al Ahly. Sundowns have players who have played Champions League for quite some time, so they have all the experience,” he added, explaining what makes Sundowns special.

“For me, it’s the end of the road for Stade Malien. Yes, they are a good team physically. However, they can’t match Sundowns’ quality and experience in this competition. Like I said, the more the tournament progresses and draws to a close, teams like Sundowns and Al Ahly know the importance of trying to win it,” he further stated.

How will the semi-final unfold?

Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly — Aubrey Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly. Image – Sundowns

Sundowns would meet the winner between Al Ahly and Esperance in the semi-final if they beat Stade Malien and Mujuni has already made up his mind how the clash will unfold.

“Only in the semi-finals, when they meet Al Ahly, that’s when it can go either way. Because, for sure, Al Ahly will overcome Esperance easily in the quarter-finals,” he said.

“Sundowns will beat Stade Malien home and away, mark my words. I also expect Al Ahly to draw at Esperance and collect a very good win at home in Egypt. Expect Sundowns vs Al Ahly in the semi-finals.”

Sundowns played Al Ahly in the semi-final last season, winning on the away goals rule after a 1-1 draw on aggregate, but fell 3-1 to another Egyptian side Pyramids in the final.