Mamelodi Sundowns legend Manqoba 'Shakes' Ngwenya has acknowledged that without the influence of courageous striker Peter Shalulile, their CAF Champions League campaign could have already come to an end.
Shalulile, who started the match on the bench, made a great impact by scoring an equalizer and forcing an own goal in the 96th minute, leading to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AS Maniema Union.
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"Although we finished the match holding our breath because our win was hard-fought, we are pleased with the result," says Ngwenya.
"In such competitions, the result is what matters most, especially when playing away from home in unfamiliar conditions. Sundowns managed to do that, and we are happy.
"There were a couple of opportunities we could have converted earlier, and I believe that [not converting] put us under pressure. By luck, we ended up winning. If [Arthur] Sales had scored that goal, it would have allowed us to play our normal game. But the boys showed great character in bouncing back from behind.
"Shalulile definitely saved the day for Sundowns. He came on and delivered what we know him for. He is a soldier, and on that day, he rescued us. He proved he is still around and isn't finished yet. His confidence will return.
"I'm sure he will score again in the next game against AS FAR at Loftus. We need to win that match convincingly," adds the man nicknamed 'Shakes'.
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Ngwenya added that it is difficult to predict whether new Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will help them secure their second CAF Champions League trophy, as he is still adjusting to the club.
"Eish, that's a tough question because the coach is still new. I don't think they are currently playing the style of football we are accustomed to as Sundowns, but I believe we just need to support him."
The Brazilians face Moroccan outfit AS FAR in their last Champions League group stage match on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 18:00.