Steve Komphela reflects on Mamelodi Sundowns' gritty Caf Champions League clash against Raja Casablanca - 'We pushed and played with purpose, showing this is a big team'

Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 1-0 defeat in Morocco, marking their first loss in the Caf Champions League and the first under coach Miguel Cardoso.

The game not only handed Sundowns no points but also saw two key players, Khuliso Mudau and Bathusi Aubaas, being sent off.

This setback left the team with much to reflect on as they failed to build on their strong season.

Assistant coach Steve Komphela shared insights on the tough outing, discussing the challenges of playing away and the fight displayed despite being down to nine players.

He expressed the team's continued belief in their abilities and their determination to bounce back.

Komphela also emphasised the need to focus on the upcoming fixtures and improve their position in the continental competition.

“We know all these away matches are very difficult to play. And especially coming to Morocco," said Komphela on Mamelodi Sundowns TV.

"One, I think it was going to be emotional, looking at how the supporters were actually giving them the energy and the boost. And unfortunately, we, we, we almost fell for the trap. I think we, we, we didn't, we didn't start the way we had wished. We spent a bit more time around our box, which we could have done better, but towards the end, for me, the second half was much better.

“We, we, we, we pushed and played with purpose, and it showed that this is a big team irrespective that we are playing one man down. We pushed them to the limits. And you could see even at the end of the match, the way they celebrated. But again, if you look back and say, could we have won it? Yes, it was possible. Did we get the chances too? Yes, we did. Did we have the character to show that we can play as a big team? For sure, we did,” continued the Masandawana assistant coach.

“And now we have to look forward and look for the next two matches that are coming. We still have to go to the DRC and then welcome AS FAR at home,” concluded the 57-year-old.

Sundowns, with five points from four games, now face crucial encounters to solidify their top-eight ambitions.

The team is currently in second place, three points behind the leaders AS FAR, setting up a decisive clash in their upcoming match.

The match against AS FAR could determine whether or not Sundowns will progress from the group stage.

With only two fixtures left, the team needs to earn maximum points to strengthen their position.

Much attention will be on how the squad adapts to the pressure and tackles these high-stakes fixtures.

Sundowns travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo to face Maniema Union at Stade des Martyrs next.

The team must secure all three points to ensure their place in the knockout stages of the Caf Champions League.

A loss in this fixture would leave Masandawana in a precarious position going into their final group match.

With their back against the wall, Sundowns will need to exhibit resilience and discipline to avoid another slip-up.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso and his staff will be focused on getting the best out of their squad in this critical clash.