Tashreeq Matthews makes honest admission about Sundowns' shock CAFCL exit

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Matthews speaks on Downs' elimination in CAF

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Tashreeq Matthews makes honest admission about Sundowns' shock CAFCL exit

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27.10.26 13:00 League Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Marumo Gallants

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews has conceded difficulties in digesting their shock CAF Champions League elimination at the hands of Wiliete Benguela of Angola.

The defending champions were held to a one-all draw in the return leg of the second round tie at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, with the Girabola log leaders advancing on away-goal rule thanks to a goalless stalemate on home soil.

Sundowns, as a result, became the eighth title holders in the history of Africa's premier club competition to be knocked out in the preliminary round, and failed to reach the group stages for the first time since 2015.

Matthews has made an honest admission that the exit has been a difficult pill to swallow, but insists their season is far from over with a host of silverware still on offer for the Brazilians.

“I think after the game you have to reflect but it's also important that you take a step forward and continue. It's very difficult to get over what happened," said the speedy attacker.

"But at the end of the day you have to take the step because you have to continue. There's more things that need to be won. Yes, it's the biggest thing to win in Africa but we still have a lot of trophies to look forward to, and to win.

With Sundowns set to return to action with a Carling Knockout Cup last-16 clash against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, the 26-year-old forward acknowledges that securing a win will be imperative for the morale at Chloorkop.

“That's what we have to look forward to, I think the next one is the most important one that we have actually. We have to overcome it, get back to winning ways and get over this feeling,” Matthews added.

"We just have to win again, just continue to win. I don't think it will take it away but I think it will just make things feel a bit better than what it is.

Having been knocked out by Gallants at this stage of the League Cup last season, the former Borussia Dortmund man has dismissed suggestions that the upcoming encounter is a grudge match.

“I don't think it's revenge, whichever team we play against, we just have to win. We play to win and that's important. It's fortunate that we're getting Marumo Gallants again and we want to win the game and that's what we're going there to do,” the Bafana international continued.

Whether Miguel Cardoso and his charges will pip Bahlabane Ba Ntwa to a spot in the quarterfinals remains to be seen, with the club having recently ended their domestic cup drought with the MTN8.

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Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.