Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has called out 'unfair' criticism over the squads' players in previous campaigns of the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns collected a valuable point away from home in the CAF Champions Champions League group stage fixture against Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Saturday, as both sides battled off to a 2-2 draw.
The Brazilians are on the quest for their first Champions League triumph since 2016. In the last recent previous additions, Sundowns have bulldozed their way through the group stages but stumbled in the quarter finals of the continental competition.
READ | Rulani: History will count nothing against Al Ahly
Reflecting on the draw against and the past performances in the Champions league in the recent years, Mokwena asked that his players be given a fair chance.
"We wanted to win today, we didn't win. It's an important point against, as I said, a very good team," Mokwena said post-match.
"I said to you, even earlier; Ronwen [Williams], first Champions league, [Khuliso] Mudau, right back - last season competes with Thapelo Morena, first Champions League. Mothobi Mvala, first Champions League, played last season but starting consistently competing at this level.
"Neo Maema, first Champions League. Cassius Mailula first Champions League, Teboho Mokwena first Champions League. Last season Lyle Lakay is the starting left-back and Aubrey Modiba features a little bit, so Aubrey Modiba, first Champions League.
"The Majority of this team, it would be unfair to judge them on the past. You have to give them a fair chance to work, to play and to compete and the only way they can do that is to be on the pitch and play these type of games and feel this kind of pressure."
Sundowns and Al Ahly will play the return leg in Pretoria on 11 March. For now, the Brazilians turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup where they face Marumo Gallants in the Last 16 on Thursday.
?? HIGHLIGHTS: A four-goal thriller between @AlAhly @Masandawana ends in a draw. ??#TotalEnergiesCAFCL | #ASCMSC | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/5WTzmzMdC7
— TotalEnergies CAFCL - TotalEnergies CAFCC ?? (@CAFCLCC) February 26, 2023
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