Thapelo Morena makes bold Sundowns claim ahead of Wiliete CAF tie

23.10.26 14:00 CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Wiliete Benguela

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Mamelodi Sundowns utility player Thapelo Morena has made a bold claim ahead of the return leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie against Wiliete Benguela on Friday.

The defending champions settled for a goalless draw with the Girabola log leaders in the first meeting at Tundavala National Stadium in Lubango, Angola over the weekend, setting up a nervy second leg.

Sundowns will have to dig deep on home soil knowing that a scoring draw will send them packing, while a goalless stalemate will take the match straight to a penalty shootout.

Meanwhile, with Al Ahly not in the competition this season, while other top teams are in a transitional phase, Morena says the Brazilians have enough firepower to defend their crown, despite not booking a spot in the group stage yet.

“I think as a team it's something that we take up to responsibility, and we believe in it. So, we can and we are willing to do it because we've done it at home in the PSL,” said the Bafana international.

"So, now we have the experience of after winning what's happening. We know that teams will also come all out against us, never mind who is there. But to be honest when we come here at home, playing in our soil, you know the difference.

"We're going to give everything and that's the most important thing to do on the pitch.

Miguel Cardoso and his troops will be looking to progress to the next stage of Africa's elite club competition when they welcome Wiliete at Loftus Versfeld Stadium for the return leg on Friday.

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.

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Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Wiliete Benguela

CAF Champions League