Mamelodi Sundowns boss Rulani Mokwena has admitted it will not be easy to beat Pyramids FC, who he believes have contrasting “personalities for home and away fixtures.”
Mokwena and his men face the Egyptian giants on Tuesday 19 December at 18h00 at the 30 June Stadium.
Having shared spoils in the first leg played eight days ago, Mokwena is first to acknowledge that they face an unpredictable enemy.
Masandawana have managed to stay at the summit of the Group A standings despite failing to collect maximum points in their last two matches.
They lost 1-0 away to TP Mazembe before a 0-0 stalemate with Pyramids at home. Meanwhile, all teams in the group have four points but the Tshwane giants are riding on a superior goal difference.
MOKWENA ON FACING PYRAMIDS IN THEIR BACKYARD
And as they face Pyramids again in a space of eight days, the shrewd gaffer feels they have done enough in terms of preparations.
However, he is wary of the different characteristics that Pyramids have shown since their last meeting.
“We have done alot of work. Their performance against TP Mazembe is completely different from how they played against us,” Mokwena said.
“It looks like a team that has different personalities for home and away fixtures but we are ready to make sure that we win this match.
“We have three games to go, and we have to get a result. We have three away matches, first here against Pyramids and then Mauritania which will be difficult.
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“Because it’s in Mauritania where the pitch is artificial and then we finish off with TP Mazembe. Hopefully, we will be well to know our place and make sure we finish first.”
Rulani Mokwena added: “I watched their mid-week game which ended in a 2-2 draw. They should have won, they were four players that started with us, that didn’t start that league game.
“The captain had a good game, Fathy [Ahmed] started, Mayele [Fiston] was there upfront. They are a strong team, with alot of intensity.
“Fagrie Lakay will always be busy upfront looking for spaces behind. They have good players.”
Meanwhile, SuperSport United and Sekhukhune United will resume their CAF Confederations Cup matches on Wednesday.Â
SuperSport United who anchor Group A of the competition with nothing to show off.
First, they lost 1-0 to Future FC of Egypt a fortnight ago, before being humbled 2-0 at home by USM Alger.
They went on to lost to Al Ahli Benghazi who they are set to host on Wednesday night. On the other hand, Sekhukhune United are set to travel for a date with Stade Malien on the same day.