'This coach was beaten last season in the Caf Champions League final' - ex-Orlando Pirates captain believes Miguel Cardoso's side are not scary as 'if it was Rhulani Mokwena at Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly wouldn’t even have had a shot on target'

Miguel Cardoso’s side played to a goalless draw at home in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final. Now, Mamelodi Sundowns face a daunting trip to Cairo, where they must secure a positive result to reach their first final since lifting the title in 2016.

The match lacked attacking threat from the home side, and questions have been raised about their cutting edge. Former Orlando Pirates captain Benedict Vilakazi believes this current Sundowns team has lost its fear factor. He says teams no longer approach them with the same caution as they did during Rulani Mokwena’s tenure.

Mokwena led a more intimidating and attack-minded team that reached the semi-finals. Vilakazi feels that unless something changes, Al Ahly could overpower them in the return leg.

“There is a thing called coach power,” said Tso a reported by iDiski Times.

"People might be lost on what I’m saying. This coach [Miguel Cardoso] was beaten last season in the final so they know him. They are not scared of him look at the chances that Al Ahly created, more than Sundowns. And when you look back in the last season or the one before how they approached Sundowns they were never attacking and creating as many chances as they did this afternoon.

“It is sad that I’m bringing this up it’s not a nice thing but I’m going to do it. If it was Rulani at Sundowns Al Ahly wouldn’t even have had a shot on target or even gotten in Sundowns’ final third and scoring a goal because the coach power plays a part in the game," he added.

“One they are scared of the coach himself and two they are scared of Sundowns as a team. They are scared of that combination. Everyone used to be scared of Sundowns and now everyone feels they can play and attack against Sundowns.”

Sundowns head to Cairo with everything still to play for following a 0-0 result in the first leg. They can take confidence from their past wins in Cairo, proving it's possible to beat Al Ahly on their home turf.

The return of Themba Zwane, who had a brief but promising cameo in the first leg, adds quality and experience. With discipline, belief, and a sharper attacking display, Sundowns can still reach the final.

Sundowns will face Al Ahly in the decisive second-leg semi-final in Cairo. The winner will advance to the Caf Champions League final. It’s a massive opportunity for Cardoso and his men to write a new chapter in the club’s history.