Mamelodi Sundowns veteran Denis Onyango believes Al Ahly played it safe in the first leg of the Caf Champions League semi-final - 'We hope they open the game in Cairo and it makes it easier for us'

The second leg of the Caf Champions League semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly is set to be a tense affair in Cairo.

The first leg ended in a goalless draw, with Sundowns surprisingly lacking creativity and failing to register a single shot on target.

This lacklustre showing at home will concern the Brazilians heading into a hostile away environment.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango believes their past success in Egypt, including solid performances against Al Ahly, gives them confidence to get a result.

Sundowns will need to show a different level of intent and intensity to book their place in the final.

“I think it wasn’t a very bad game but also wasn’t a very good game from our side, I believe the moment we did not concede, it leaves the game open, we know we can score, we have won in Cairo before, and it’s still open for everyone,” Onyango said as reported iDiski Times.

“The goal is to go to the final and everyone is looking forward. Of course we would have made it difficult by scoring at home but it was not meant to be.

“They were very compact, five at the back and closing the midfield, so I think it will be more open in Cairo then it was in Pretoria.”

“Of course there’s a little bit of disappointment because we’re used to winning at home, normally we score the goals at home but today we didn’t have a shot on goal, but they were disciplined, the knew if they opened up the game, we’d come to them,” he said.

“But we hope they open the game in Cairo and it makes it easier for us. But very difficult team, they wouldn’t have loved to have lost away from home again but we hope for the best, we still have a chance and have the quality to qualify [for the final].

“They played with five at the back, consolidated, playing on the counter, it shows the respect the game, they got five before here, not once but twice, but they were very organised, they are quality, the defending champions so they were careful they way they played and showed their experience.”

Sundowns and coach Miguel Cardoso are boosted by the return of skipper Themba Zwane, a crucial figure in unlocking defences.

His comeback is timely, especially with the team struggling to create clear-cut chances in recent matches.

Zwane's leadership and ability to control the tempo in midfield could be decisive in a high-stakes encounter like this.

The Brazilians are looking to reach their first Champions League final since their 2016 triumph.

Sundowns travel to Cairo needing a big performance to overcome the African giants and secure a place in the Champions League final.

All eyes will be on how Cardoso's side approaches the second leg tactically.