Sundowns must fight in vital Ahly AFL decider

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena says his team must work hard to be able to reach the final of the African Football League (AFL) when they travel to play Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Wednesday.

The coach of the South African side made this claim ahead of the second-leg of the semi-final of the maiden ediion of the competition for some top clubs on the continent.

Sundowns secured a priceless 1-0 away goal victory over Al Ahly in Sunday's African Football League semi-final first leg game, leaving the return leg delicately poised.

Thapelo Maseko's second half thunderbolt earned Sundowns the advantage in Pretoria that they will defend in Wednesday's daunting return fixture in Cairo.

But while delighted with his side's slender lead, Mokwena admits they face a stern test to avoid more continental heartbreak and reach the inaugural AFL final.

"I would rather have taken one [goal] - of course - because 0-0 and 1-0 is a completely different perspective," the coach Mokwena said.

"So taking one of the many chances we created is positive. The bigger positive is we created chances without our strikers."

Sundowns were missing forwards Peter Shalulile and Abubeker Nasir up front, meaning midfielders had to fill in more advanced roles.

But the result was the same as Maseko pounced to put Sundowns on the brink of finally ending their semi-final jinx.

"Our team still do what they do and create chances through selflessness and putting the team first," Mokwena added.

However, the Downs boss is all too aware the tie hangs in the balance ahead of a daunting trip to Cairo's fortress Al Salam Stadium.

"We've got to knuckle down now and focus on what will be a very difficult second leg," he admitted.

Ahly coach Marcel Koller was left ruing his side's inability to keep possession in Pretoria as Sundowns dominated.

"We had to be much calmer when we conceded and we spoke about keeping the ball, but we kept giving it away," the Swiss manager said.

"Of course we still have a chance in Cairo. I'm confident we'll score with our fans there."

With a place in the 2 November final at stake, Wednesday's showdown promises high stakes drama between two of Africa's most decorated clubs.

Sundowns have a precious lead but know better than anyone that ties are rarely over until the final whistle after past near misses.