Jamil Benouahi, the former assistant coach of AS FAR, has identified Mamelodi Sundowns as the leading contenders for the CAF Champions League title this season.
Benouahi, who recently left the North African club, was part of AS FAR's coaching staff that directly experienced the capabilities of the Brazilians in their two group stage encounters.
Having witnessed Miguel Cardoso’s team in action, he is convinced they are the favorites to secure the coveted continental trophy this season.
He commended their “well-balanced team” and highlighted their prolific goal-scoring record as a significant asset in the tournament.
‘THEY ARE A WELL-BALANCED TEAM’
“I still believe, if you take the competition right now, I'm sure and I believe wholeheartedly that Sundowns have the best team today – well balanced, very confident, they're playing very well and scoring lots of goals, and they have better balance than before, for sure,” said Benouahi as quoted by SABC Sport.
“The only thing, when you talk about Esperance de Tunis and Al Ahly Egypt, it's not about football only – it's all their behaviours, their tricks and things, it's not only about football. If it's only about football, for sure, for me the best team is Sundowns.”
Going further, Benouahi suggested the final could be a South African derby – Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Pirates, for sure, of course, because this team is not that easy, but the thing is that all the teams have the same profile, they're mostly new to the competition,” he added.
“MC Alger, it's going to be a tough game in Algeria at the 5 July Stadium, but for sure the rest are good, and even in the league this season, as you can see, Pirates is very close to Sundowns.
“So, for sure, I can go with Pirates vs Sundowns [final], but Sundowns has this – it's very tough.”
