Mokwena: Tricolores will provide a stern test

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Apr 07, 2022. 14:00

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena admits CAF Champions League quarter-final opponents Petro de Luanda are not an unknown entity to them.

The draw for the first knockout phase took place in Cairo, Egypt on Monday when the Brazilians were paired with the Tricolores.

Sundowns have faced the Angolan giants before in Africa’s elite club competition; they claimed a 3-0 victory on home soil before playing out to a 2-2 draw in the away leg during the group stages three years ago.

Mokwena is wary of Petro, who have plenty of CAF Champions League experience and reached the semi-finals back in 2001.

Alexandre Santos’ side qualified for the last eight as runners-up in Group D after picking up 11 points from their six matches and finishing ahead of Zamalek.

“We accept that we could have faced any other strong side. Petro are also a strong team with good Champions League experience,” Mokwena told the club’s official website.

“They have been in the Champions League now for three years in a row, although the last two times they could not qualify from the group.

“They conceded eight [in the group stages]. Although that seems like a huge number but there was a dead rubber sort of a match against Wydad Casablanca where they conceded five.

“To accumulate 11 points in a very difficult season, which was a difficult group for them, means they are a very good team. They are already on top of the log in Angola.

“They are a very good side. We already know a little bit about them.”