Mokoena Explains How Sundowns Exposed AS FAR

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena believes the Brazilians successfully identified and exploited the weaknesses in AS FAR’s defence during their narrow 1-0 CAF Champions League final first leg victory last weekend.

Sundowns head into the decisive second leg in Rabat holding a slender advantage after Aubrey Modiba’s strike handed Miguel Cardoso’s side an important win at home.

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Mokoena admitted the Tshwane giants had done extensive homework on the Moroccan outfit and were able to execute their tactical plan effectively, particularly through the middle of the park.

“I’m happy with the way we played as a team, we created so many opportunities, and I think we showed up. They did everything we expected them to do and I think we managed to occupy the spaces, and that's where the chance to run came, because we knew that their centre backs are slow. The chances we got from Brian are from the passes through the middle,” Mokoena told Sundowns’ media team.

The Bafana Bafana international also highlighted the importance of finally getting on the scoresheet in a continental final after last season’s heartbreak against Pyramids FC.

“It's an important goal for us. And I think we spoke about it before the game, we're like it’s about time that we score in the final and that the opponents must feel us and he [Aubrey Modiba] delivered. So it's a very important goal for us,” he added.

Having fallen short in last season’s final, Mokoena admitted the pressure remains immense, but feels Sundowns have been handed another opportunity to rewrite the story.

“No, of course, the pressure is there. We know what happened last year. So I think God gave us another chance this year to fix our mistakes. And I think we are taking that opportunity.”

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