Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger will not be coming to South Africa for a safari next week, but rather for three crucial points after beating Al Hilal 2–1 on Friday in their penultimate CAF Champions League group-stage clash.
That result has increased the pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns, who must now win their match against St. Eloi Lupopo at the TP Mazembe Stadium on Sunday (3pm kick-off), in their second-to-last group-stage fixture.
Sundowns find themselves under immense strain after Alger’s victory saw them leapfrog the Brazilians into second place in Group C with seven points, two ahead of the South African champions, who have slipped to third.
Any result other than a win for Sundowns in Lubumbashi would mean they face Alger at home at Loftus Versfeld under the weight of needing a victory to secure progression to the knockout stage of the continental showpiece.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Alger’s clash with Al Hilal in Algiers on Friday night, Mokwena said it was important for his side to decide whether they would travel to his homeland for a vacation or for three valuable points that could steer them into the knockout stage.
“We have to give ourselves a chance to qualify for the next round when we travel to South Africa,” said Mokwena at the time.
“It would be nice to take the players on a safari, no? But I don’t want to take the players to South Africa for a safari to meet my family and friends. We want to go to South Africa to get three points. But whether we go to South Africa for a safari or for three points depends on what we do tomorrow (Friday) night.”
Having taken care of business on Friday, Mokwena will now be fired up to face his former side in a match that could prove decisive in determining qualification for the knockout stage. Heading into the final group game on February 14 both teams will remain in contention to finish in the top two and progress to the next round.
However, Sundowns must first ensure they do not drop points against Lupopo to keep their fate in their own hands.
