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Sundowns looking forward to Al Ahly challenge in blockbuster CAF CL tie

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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena during a Mamelodi Sundowns training session. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena during a Mamelodi Sundowns training session. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena said on Sunday they were "looking forward to the challenge" after being drawn against Pitso Mosimane's defending CAF Champions League champions Al Ahly.

Masandawana will face former coach Mosimane's Al Ahly in a two-legged quarter-final tie that will see two of the competition's favourites go head-to-head.

In reacting to Friday's draw, Mokwena looked to turn all the attention towards their opponents by insisting that all the pressure would be on Al Ahly to defend their continental crown.

"We knew the permutations from the beginning, that we could have a trip to Algeria or a trip to Egypt because it was clear we could not play Belouizdad," Mokwena said.

"Of the runners-up, we only had three permutations and of all the three, all of the teams in the last-eight are very good teams with very good coaches and Al Ahly are the same.

"They are the defending champions, they have the pressure to win the trophy and the pressure to get to the semi-finals.

"For us, we consider it a very competitive draw against a very good side with a very good coach, someone we have a lot of respect for.

"I certainly have a lot of respect because of the role that he's played in my coaching career - as a coach, as a leader, as a mentor. I've learnt a lot from him and we're looking forward to the challenge."

Mosimane previously guided Sundowns to their only CAF Champions League title in 2016 and last year became the first South African coach to record a win in the competition with the Egyptian Red Devils.

Sundowns will travel to Egypt to contest the first leg on 14 May before a return leg back in South Africa a week later on 21 May.

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