Legendary former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana does not believe their Nedbank Cup semifinal defeat against Kaizer Chiefs will derail the Brazilians for their Caf Champions League semifinal against Al Ahly.
Downs and Orlando Pirates compete, for the first time, as two SA clubs in the semis of Africa’s premier interclub competition, with the first legs starting on Saturday.
Sundowns face record 12-time champions Al Ahly at Loftus Versfeld in the earlier match, while Pirates host another Egyptian side, Pyramids FC, at FNB Stadium in the evening.
Kekana was speaking on Sundowns’ Pitchside Podcast with former midfield partner Tiyani Mabunda.
Kekana and Mabunda formed the central pairing when Sundowns lifted the 2016 Champions League trophy, beating Zamalek in the final.
Kekana said the Brazilians’ culture of winning and playing through tough schedules and setbacks should mean they remain unaffected after losing to Chiefs.
“When you play for Sundowns, every match is like a cup final,” Downs’ former skipper said.
“Luckily when you play for this team, you don’t rest for a week without playing football. So for the players it’s good because after a setback you can redeem yourself in a few days.
“I believe they’re in a good position to continue this good season they’re having because losing one match in the situation we found ourselves in, when you look back I think there won’t be many corrections.”
From fierce battles to unforgettable goals, our #TotalEnergiesCAFCL journey has been nothing short of epic! ⚡️🔥
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 16, 2025
Relive The Road to the Semi-Finals and let us know in the comments which game had you on the edge of your seat? 👇#Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/U7p8g6yd5F
With the scores at 1-1 on Sunday, Ashley du Preez scored an 89th-minute winner from what TV refereeing pundits have agreed was an offside position.
Kekana felt on balance of play Sundowns were unfortunate to lose the semifinal.
“I watched that match twice and believe if we played it 10 times at Loftus, I don’t think that team was going to win against us.”
Mabunda agreed Downs were partly responsible for their own demise by lacking their normal killer instinct.
“I believe we could have won the game but made it difficult for ourselves by allowing it to drag longer without capitalising on the chances we created, especially in the first half,” he said.
Sundowns have a decent record against Al Ahly, winning five, losing five and drawing six of 16 encounters (14 in the Champions League and two in the African Football League).
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will hope striker Peter Shalulile, who has found the back of the net four times in the competition, has his scoring boots on. Shalulile thrives on big occasions and could well show up again on Saturday.
Swiss coach Marcel Koller has reportedly been under recent pressure at the Red Devils as this season has been less dominant than his previous two.
In this campaign they are four points behind Pyramids in the Egyptian Premier League and squeezed through the Champions League’s Group C, a point above CR Belouizdad and four behind Pirates.
Ahly beat Sudan’s Al-Hilal 2-0 on aggregate in their quarterfinal.
Caf Champions League semifinals
First legs — Saturday:
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly SC, Loftus Versfeld (3pm)
- Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC, FNB Stadium (6pm)
Second legs — April 25 (SA times):
- Al Ahly SC vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Cairo International Stadium, Cairo (6pm)
- Pyramids FC vs Orlando Pirates, 30 June Air Defence Stadium, Cairo (8pm)
