Mamelodi Sundowns will be targeting nothing but a victory over Zesco United when they host the Zambian side in the semi-final second-leg clash in Tshwane but we definitely know it will not be an easy battle expected to produce fireworks.
Zesco emerged 2-1 winners in the first-leg encounter which was played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola last weekend.
Two goals from Jackson Mwanza put the home side into the lead in front of a packed stadium, but Khama Billiat snatched a late away goal for the visitors.
Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane is confident that they can overcome Zesco at home even if they apply defensive tactics.
“If you sit back against Sundowns in Pretoria, you are making a big problem (for yourself),” Mosimane told the media.
“How many teams have come here and put five players at the back? You know what’s going to happen to you, the goal is coming.
“And after the goal‚ what are you going to do now? You’re going to open? You see now‚ you have to change your tactics and you can receive a second goal.”
Sundowns will still be without their lethal striker Leonardo Castro. However, they will look to their lethal forward Billiat who netted in the first-leg.
Only a victory will see Brazilians to progress to the final for the first time since 2001. They were beaten 4-1 on aggregate by Egypt’s Al Ahly.
Meanwhile, Zesco are looking to record another victory over Sundowns and advance to this year’s Champions League final.
Nicknamed Zega Mambo, Zesco have never reached the Caf Champions League final before, but Mwape Mwelwa will be keen to change that.
The attacking midfielder had a great game for Zega Mambo in the first-leg. He set up Mwanza who fired home Zesco’s second goal.
Zesco head coach George Lwandamina has urged his charges to remain calm in the second-leg encounter in Tshwane.
“Our mission is simple, we want to advance to the next stage of the competition,” Lwandamina said
“In these competitions, one must be wise and remain calm because things can change there (in Pretoria). The business continues and we can’t be carried away.”
Algerian referee Mehdi Abid Charef will be in charge of the second-leg clash between Sundowns and Zesco.
