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Mokwena notes biggest Caf Champions League lesson Mamelodi Sundowns have learnt - 'Competition starts at the knockouts'

Premier Soccer League

Stellenbosch FC

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

CAF Champions League

Esperance

Al Ahly SC

Mamelodi Sundowns have been frustrated in the latter phases of the Caf Champions League in recent seasons.After dominating in the group stages, often qualifying with some games to spare and tipped as title favourites, the Brazilians have been found wanting.Coach Rhulani Mokwena opens up on the lessons they have learnt over the years as they try to navigate their way into the final.

WHAT HAPPENED?

“I think we’ve developed a long way since the time where you could easily just describe us as very aggressive in the group stages and maybe a little bit more timid as a creature in the knockouts,” Mokwena said as per <a href="https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/mokwena-hails-downs-in-al-ahly-wydad-comparison/" target="_blank">iDiski Times</a>.“If you look at the last couple of years for sure that is probably true, but for the first time in the club’s history, we’ve done back-to-back semi-finals."After going back-to-back winners of the group stages. You only have to look this season at how many teams like Petro from Angola, were exceptional in the group stages, only to find themselves out in the next round," the Masandawana coach added.“These are occurrences that used to happen to us as well as Mamelodi Sundowns, where we didn’t have a clear understanding that actually the Champions League competition starts at the knockouts."Part of the responsibility of the group stages is to make sure that you qualify, and that was our objective number one. We struggled a little bit to even get close to that target," he continued.“Fortunately, by the time we played Mazembe, we were in a situation where we had to choose between finishing first or second, and then that destiny was in our control."And then the next focus was to make sure we win the quarter-finals."

WHAT MOKWENA SAID

Mokwena admits they did not perform to their very best in the quarter-finals against Young Africans.“We played a very, very good side in Yanga away from home," said Mokwena."We created enough chances to win, we limited their chances to probably almost one. And unfortunately, we drew that game 0-0. A performance that we were not 100% happy with."But we were content with the result, knowing that we’ve got a possibility to do something in Pretoria," he continued."And then the second leg came in Pretoria in front of our own people and we couldn’t let them down, where we pushed… So I’m very proud of this group. I’m proud that this group has brought this football club to where it is today.”

AND WHAT MORE?

Mokwena states the lessons they have learnt at a time when his men have not been convincing in all competitions.Unfashionable for the Brazilians, they have been grinding results of late and even struggling against lower-division sides in the Nedbank Cup.That could be a big worry for Masandawana fans going into Saturday's match which is a big stage against the Tunisians.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Being away in the first leg of the Champions League, the Brazilians might see this as an advantage ahead of the Tshwane leg.They are out in Tunisia trying to get a result that will favour them when they are at home next Friday.

WHAT NEXT FOR SUNDOWNS?

Mokwena notes biggest Caf Champions League lesson Mamelodi Sundowns have learnt - 'Competition starts at the knockouts' | Goal.com South Africa

The Masandawana coach describes as &apos;a bit more timid&apos; their performances in the continental competition&apos;s knockout rounds. 

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