Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac is expecting a difficult match against Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup clash.
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The German giants will face Masandawana in their second group stage match of the Club World Cup on 19 June. The reigning Betway Premiership champions currently sit top of Group F after a win against Korean side Ulsan HD, while Dortmund are level with Fluminense following their goalless draw.
Attention now turns to the clash taking place at the TQL Stadium in Ohio. Dortmund boss Niko Kovac admitted that his team, along with Fluminense, are the group favourites but that he would not underestimate the talent of Sundowns and Ulsan, according to Pan-Africa Football.
"As I said before, at the beginning of the press conference, I think Fluminense and my team are for sure the favourites, but in football you must play the games," Kovac was reported as saying.
He added: 'I am sure that we are the favourites, so for sure we are expecting now [that] the next game we want to see the game against Sundowns and Ulsan, we want to watch it just to get more impression.
The Croat was aware of the threat Sundowns carry following their CAF Champions League final appearance, and admitted Miguel Cardoso's side would be tough opposition.
"We know Sundowns reached the CAF Champions League final recently, which speaks volumes about their strength," he said. "African teams are physically powerful and tactically disciplined, so we must be fully prepared."
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"The next matches are critical, and we can’t afford any lapses," he concluded.
