Following a lacklustre display over the weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns have been given little chance to come back from Al Ahly's fortress with a positive result in the CAF Champions League on Friday.
Sundowns failed to find the net against a resolute Al Ahly despite enjoyint the lion's share of ball possession in the semi-final first leg at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
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With the match ending 0-0, the second leg, scheduled for Friday at Cairo International Stadium, is expected to be a tense affair.
"Sundowns' chances of getting out of Egypt with a positive result are very slim. I was not impressed with their performance in the first leg," admits yesteryear winger Lucas Sebona.
"Their attack against Al Ahly lacked aggression, and the pace of play was too uniform.
"They are now well-known, which is another factor to consider. Their style has been figured out by opponents.
"North African teams understand how to press collectively, not just as individuals. They are employing similar tactics to what Sundowns are using.
"Ball retention needs to be quicker than ball possession. Once they lose the ball, they must press immediately.
"The Sundowns coach's style is too similar to that of the North African teams.
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The man affectionately known as 'Makhokhoba' goes on to share his prediction.
"I predict the second leg will also end in a 0-0 draw and be decided by penalties.
"Scoring a goal in Egypt will be very difficult. The home team's players are always highly focused and bring their best to the game.
"I'm a Sundowns supporter, but I must admit that their chances are quite slim."
Of consolation for Miguel Cardoso's men is that they have not lost in their last three visits to the defending champions, playing to two draws and a win. They last lost away to Ahly in May 2021.
