By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns are out to bury the ghost of Mohamed V Stadium when they collide with Wydad Casablanca in a CAF Champions League semi-final, first-leg match on Saturday.
Over the years, the Moroccans have been unyielding at home against the Brazilians but Rhulani Mokwena and his men will be trying to break the Casablanca jinx.
In their five previous visits to Wydad, Masandawana have never recorded victory and the best result they have scrapped is a 0-0 draw in December 2019.
To further highlight how Sundowns struggle at Mohamed V Stadium, they have scored just one goal there, while conceding six times.
This is a Wydad that denied them a place in the final the last time they met in a Champions League last-four in April and May 2019, and that was the last time Sundowns reached this stage of the competition.
But this time around, they are trying to get it right where they have failed in the past against the defending champions.
“Look, we have done lots of hard work and we just have to continue to do the work and profile [Wydad],” Mokwena told Sundowns’ media.
“They know their level and know our level, they know we are a good team and that we can play our football with good profile, good mentality and confidence on any pitch.
“It’s going to be an interesting game between two good teams with two sets of good players.
“It’s going be a good game against the defending champions, a good team that’s got a good pedigree in the Champions League.”
Saturday’s match will be the 11th meeting between Sundowns and Wydad who enjoy a better record than the Tshwane giants.
The Moroccans have won four of their previous clashes with Masandawana who have triumphed on three occasions and the two sides have shared spoils three times.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane tries to stop Wydad Casablanca forward Zouhair El Moutaraji
Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns
