A former Egypt international and CAF Champions League winner has now made a firm Mamelodi Sundowns assertion, revealing where he believes they rank among Africa's elite.
Khaled El-Ghandour, who represented Egyptian giants Zamalek, has hailed Masandawana as one of the two strongest teams on the continent, alongside Al Ahly.
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This comes after the pair booked their places in the quarter-finals of the continent's premier club competition on the weekend.
Sundowns beat Mauritanian club Nouadhibou 2-0 to book their place in the knockout stage, while the reigning champions kept their title defence on course after a 1-0 victory over Ghana's Medeama.
El-Ghandour, however, is of the opinion that the level of the competition has deteriorated, and that Al Ahly and the current African Football League champions reign supreme over the rest of Africa.
"I believe the CAF Champions League has become a weak tournament. Wydad are trying to improve, and Esperance's level has declined," he said on Ten TV channel, per KingFUT.
"Al Ahly and Sundowns are the two strongest teams in the African continent."
The retired midfielder star went on to criticise Egyptian teams for what he feels is a lack of ambition, using the Red Devils and Zamalek as examples.
"It is a shame to say that Al Ahly defeated Medeama and consider this an achievement," he continued.
"We are talking about players from the Egyptian national team. You have all the elements and capabilities to be the best team. Winning any match is normal and not an achievement.
"Zamalek are one of the strong candidates to win the Confederation Cup, and they must reach the final.
"The idea that Zamalek qualifies as first place and people are happy is a shame."
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