Mamelodi Sundowns' CAF Champions League group-stage rivals have expressed confidence to compete for the title after securing qualification to the next round.
FAR Rabat edged closer to topping the group after a 1-1 draw against local rivals Raja Casablanca on Saturday, a result that confirmed their qualification to the last eight for the first time since the group stage format was introduced.
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The Moroccan outfit now sit at the summit of Group B with nine points, one ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who will face the group leaders on Sunday, 19 January, with their own qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
Head coach Hubert Velud was full of praise for his team after the intense encounter, emphasising their potential to challenge for continental glory.
"We have all the capabilities to compete for this title," he said per CAFonline.
"This team is very good, and our fans deserved this performance from us. I am happy to lead the Royal Army to this result; it is a club worthy of respect.
"We achieved what was required, and the qualification is fair and deserved. Even the draw is fair, considering what happened in the match and its fluctuations," he added.
"This qualification is a product of everyone's effort — the players, the technical staff, and the fans. We will keep pushing forward to make this a season to remember."
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Sundowns, three points ahead of third-placed Raja Casablanca, will look to seal their spot in the quarter-finals when they take on the Group B leaders in a high-stakes clash.