‘Clumsy’ Bangaly bang-bang shield
SOUMAHORO Bangaly, who turns like an 18-wheel truck with the speed to match, will have to play the game of his life if Mamelodi Sundowns are to be crowned African champions tomorrow.
The burly Ivorian defender is likely to replace the suspended Wayne Arendse at centre-back in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Zamalek at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.
“Bangaly played 90 minutes against Zamalek (in the group stage at Lucas Moripe Stadium in July) and came out with flying colours,” Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said.
“They didn’t score (in the 1-0 win). Bangaly marked (Basem) Morsy. I told him he must get the footage of that game loaded on his tablet and see it for himself. That will be motivational.”
Sundowns’ defence will be put to the test by Zamalek, who will look to overturn the 3-0 defeat suffered in the first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium last Saturday.
Thabo Nthethe’s leadership will be key to guide Bangaly and organise a back-four that has been consistent in terms of personnel.
Hlompho Kekana will provide cover for the central defence pairing by drifting back from time to time from his central midfield position. But that doesn’t mean Sundowns will sit back.
“We went to Egypt in the group stage, we never parked the bus,” Mosimane said.
“We went to Setif (in Algeria to play ES Setif), we never parked the bus. Why should we park the bus now? No, man. Play. Maybe if we go through and we have to play Real Madrid, because it’s a dream, in the Fifa Club World Cup, then maybe we can park the bus. Not now.”
Bangaly’s strength will come in handy. He bullies opponents with his size and height. He does that well when Sundowns are attacking set-pieces, eliminating a number of players which provides space for his teammates to benefit from.
His lack of speed might be a challenge against a fast Zamalek attack but Nthethe’s intelligence should help Sundowns handle that danger.
The Brazilians are close to being African champions for the first time. Their attack put them in a favourable position with three goals in the first leg. The defence has to carry them across the finish line with continental glory just 90 minutes away.
Those 90 minutes will be an emotional roller-coaster in a country where only three clubs have returned with the ultimate prize in the 11 finals where Egypt hosted the second leg of the premier club competition on the continent.
The Brazilians’ assistant coach Manqoba Mmgqithi stayed behind with Bangaly in Sundowns’ last training session in the country on Wednesday.
Mngqithi worked with Bangaly on his timing and positioning because he is clumsy with his tackles at times. The 25-year-old defender is yet to settle at the Brazilians.
Possible Sundowns line-up: Dennis Onyango, Asavela Mbekile, Somahoro Bangaly, Thabo Nthethe, Tebogo Langerman, Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, Percy Tau, Keagan Dolly, Khama Billiat and Anthony Laffor.