Utility man Thapelo Morena has outlined his expectations for the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to take on Tunisian giants Esperance.
The Brazilians will be looking for their first Champions League victory against the North African side when the two teams lock horns at a sold-out Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Tunis on Saturday evening.
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Speaking to the club’s media ahead of the game, Morena said he expects the four-time Champions League winners to come out 'guns blazing'.
"I think the first few minutes they are going to come guns blazing because they are playing home. They are going to go mostly on the sides. That’s how they play," Morena said.
"They are going to take the style of play they used in the AFCON and I think the most important thing is that we have to try and close the sides to force them inside where [we] have numbers.
"I think it's also one of the best crowds that I have ever played under [in front of] because it was [is] not my first time being in Tunisia and it’s not my first time playing against Esperance.
"So, I think this season will be better than last time I was here in Tunisia. I think we are going to have a great atmosphere but the most important thing is the fireworks are going to be just around us."
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After crashing out of the continental competition at the semi-final stage last season due to the away goal rules in the second leg, Sundowns will be looking to wrap up the two-legged tie as early as possible to avoid similar fortunes.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 (SA time).
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