Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has sent a determined message to Esperance as they prepare for the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal tie.
Masandawana secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last week, with Peter Shalulile netting the decisive goal.
Allende emphasised the importance of that win, stating that the team is fully prepared for what awaits them in the return fixture.
“It was a difficult game, a Champions League game, against a tough opponent and happy for the win, it’s important, now we’re preparing for the away game, to get through and qualify,” Allende said.
“You know when the other team played in Pretoria, they waited a little bit [before attacking], I think it was like this again, we know we need patience [against Esperance] move the ball, faster, quicker and takes our opportunities.
“The goal from Shalulile was very important, and now we will try to win, we try to win always everywhere [we go].”
Allende says they are heading to North Africa determined to triumph over Esperance.
‘WE’RE GOING THERE TO WIN’
“We know the North African teams are very dangerous on set-pieces, we practiced a lot on this, we put a lot of focus on it,” Allende said.
“We did well [in the first leg], now we need to keep going and be on the same page. They need to win at home, we know that it will be a very interesting game when both teams play to win – because we’re Sundowns and we’re going there to win.”
