Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena believes that the intimidating crowd played a significant role in their semi-final first-leg 1-0 loss to Esperance in the CAF Champions League on Saturday, while he was also frustrated with the home team's defensive tactics.
The packed Stade Olympique venue in Tunis, according to Mokwena, inspired the hosts to elevate their performance, with match-winner Yan Sasse making a considerable impact in both attack and defence.
Despite the defeat, Mokwena found the atmosphere electrifying and vibrant. He acknowledged the challenge it posed while expressing optimism for the return leg set for this coming Friday in Tshwane. This defeat marked the Brazilians' second loss in this season’s Champions League, leaving them in need of a win by two clear goals in the second-leg to progress to the final against either TP Mazembe or Al Ahly SC.
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“How did I find the atmosphere? I thought it was electrifying, it was good, vibrant and I think it helped the Esperance team because in difficult moments they pushed the team,” Mokwena told the media after the match in a press conference.
“For the first time, I see Sasse, the Brazilian tracking back and running all the way, normally he doesn’t do that in the games that I watched. So, credit to the fans for supporting Esperance the team," he further added.
From a tactical point of view, Mokwena dismissed the notion that ES Tunis outsmarted them after losing the game.
“No, I don’t agree that tactically Esperance were better. I fully disagree, I think in football there are two very important things during the 90 minutes, in soccer/football, there are two important things.
“The first is, how many chances were you able to create and who created the most chances today? I’m asking Mamelodi neh? Then who defended better, the one that gives more chances or the one that gives less chances?
“Did Mamelodi concede more chances to Esperance? Maybe I got a different perspective to how I analyse football,” Mokwena said.
Furthermore, Mokwena looked to engage the Tunisian media regarding Esperance's playing style and whether they favoured a defensive approach against Sundowns.
“I have to ask, and this is to you the Tunisian media, how many times have you seen Esperance parking the bus at home? And are you guys happy seeing one of your biggest clubs playing against Mamelodi Sundowns and parking the bus, if you guys are happy then there’s no problem with that,” Mokwena said.
Before welcoming Esperance for the return leg, Sundowns will be in DStv Premiership action on Tuesday, hosting high-flying Sekhukhune United.
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