After Mamelodi Sundowns failed to capitalise on home-ground advantage over the weekend, a dream all-South African CAF Champions League final hangs in the balance.
Sundowns and Egypt’s record 14-time title holders Al Ahly cancelled each other out in a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The stalemate has set the stage for a thrilling return fixture on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium (6pm kick-off).
Al Ahly are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League since 2021, and will fancy their chances of securing a place in the final as they chase a record-extending 15th continental crown.
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On Saturday, both teams demonstrated their tactical prowess, with Sundowns managing only a solitary shot on target.
Al Ahly had two goals controversially ruled out for offside after viewing VAR, alongside striking the post.
Miguel Cardoso, the Sundowns coach, has maintained a positive outlook despite their first-leg defeat.
He said the tie was far from over, and his players have what it takes to perform in challenging conditions.
“I still believe we can beat Al Ahly because we didn’t lose to them in this match. There is a lot to be played for still, and we can do that out of belief and capacity for what we can put on the pitch," said Cardoso.
“We are going there and expecting a different match.
“Whoever goes through, the other team will not be happy. But whoever goes through will be strong because these are the two best teams in Africa.
“One will suffer in the end, but I hope we can be strong enough to cope. I believe we can cope, considering how we coped in Tunisia in different conditions.
“We believe in our team and the ability to upset anyone, especially looking ahead to the second leg.”
Although he was disappointed with the stalemate, the outcome was a personal triumph for Marcel Koller, who became the first Al Ahly coach to record a clean sheet against the Brazilians in South Africa.
After the match, Koller said he was disappointed to see technology deny them a crucial away goal, but admits it was the right call.
“We didn’t allow the opponent to control the game. We are fully aware that this match represents only half of the current stage,” said Koller.
"There’s still another half to be played in Cairo, and we must stay highly focused in the second leg to reach the final.
“Possession is not important if it doesn’t lead to any benefit. Al Ahly created several chances, and one of them hit the crossbar.
“We were more dangerous overall. We succeeded in playing with a great organisation.”
Koller has sent a clear message to Sundowns for the return fixture.
He said Al Ahly will adopt a more aggressive strategy to overturn the current stalemate.
“We know the point (what is required) - we have not scored a goal. In Cairo, we must score two goals. We know that.
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“In the beginning, I said only the halftime is over. We have another halftime of the game, and we should have 100% concentration in Cairo,” said the Swiss-born Koller.
But Sundowns will hope that talismanic figure Themba Zwane will inspire them to victory in Cairo.
The 35-year-old made his return to the team in the first leg after a long injury layoff, and came on in the second half to a warm welcome from the Masandawana fans.
Perhaps Cardoso should utilise the Bafana Bafana stalwart, who signed a contract extension just last week, in the starting XI on Friday to help unlock the Al Ahly defence.