Wydad’s Vandenbroeck counting on away goals against ‘favourites’ Sundowns

Sven during a training session with Wydad. (Wydad media)

CAF CL Wydad’s Vandenbroeck counting on away goals against ‘favourites’ Sundowns

Peter Tabu • 20:13 - 19.05.2023

Ahead of the CAF Champions League semi-finals return leg against Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld stadium, Wydad head coach Sven Vandenbroeck says his side scoring away goals will be crucial. However, he admits the hosts are favourites.

It’s safe to say that Mamelodi Sundowns have earned respect amongst the big teams on the African continent, especially during home games.

Ahead of the CAF Champions League semi-finals return leg against Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld stadium, Wydad head coach Sven Vandenbroeck says his side scoring away goals will be crucial. However, he admits the hosts are favourites.

“Sundowns dominated after ten minutes, they have a good team in place,” Vandenbroeck noted.

“And they play a system which is not common in football, but we tried to rectify everything in training, so we hope to do better.”

“However, after watching the last game, I will give a bit of a chance for Sundowns to qualify, but we shall put efforts in to try and stop them; as you know, the goal away counts double,” he added.

This will be the 12th meeting between the two sides, with each side having won thrice apiece while they’ve shared the spoils on four occasions.

Wydad has lost three semi-finals in the competition compared to Sundowns’ two but have won two more titles than their opponents.

In-form forward Bouly Junior Sambou faces a late fitness test after being substituted after picking up a knock in the first leg; the 24-year-old Senegalese forward has been in top form scoring seven goals in ten games for Wydad.

Sundwons will miss the services of Neo Maema and chilean midfielder Marcos Allende who were both sent off in the first leg which ended goalless in Casablanca.

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