Laffor’s winner, and Onyango’s heroics seal it for Sundowns

ANTHONY Laffor, often described by Mamelodi Sundown coach Pitso Mosimane as the man for the big occasion, delivered a massive goal for the Brazilians in yesterday’s CAF Champions League group phase fixture away to Saint George to win 1-0.

The visitors had weathered a first-half storm, including seeing goalkeeper Denis Onyango save a penalty before the break, but kicked on in the second to claim the much-needed three points.

Laffor was set up by substitute Thapelo Morena in the 86th minute, the Liberian popping up in the Saint George box to become the hero of the day.

It was Laffor who guaranteed Sundowns a place in the group stages of the Champions League back in March when his side looked to be on their way out of the tournament on the away goal rule against Kampala Capital City of Uganda, before the winger put his name on the score sheet to hand Sundowns a 3-2 aggregate win, keeping their hopes of retaining the title alive.

He pretty much did the same yesterday in Addis Ababa in front of a capacity crowd at the National Stadium, helping the Brazilians hand Saint George a defeat for the first time in the group phase.

The victory pushes the defending champions to eight points, equal with log leaders Esperance, who were due to face AS Vita Club in Kinshasa later.

It means Sundowns can host Vita, a side they thrashed 3-1 away from home early last month, without too much pressure in the final match of Group C next weekend.

But for a while, especially in the opening minutes of their clash against Saint George, it didn’t look like Mosimane’s men would enjoy the advantage they now have.

The home side were a threat from the start and came close on several occasions, forcing Sundowns to defend quite deep.

Young defender Motjeka Madisha nearly cracked under pressure and almost had the ball in his own net with a clearance that had obviously gone wrong, but it came off the woodwork.

Then goalkeeper Onyango was called on to make a big save on the stroke of half-time when the referee pointed to the spot as he felt right-back Anele Ngcongca had handled the ball in the box.

Onyango, the reigning African Footballer of the Year based in Africa, managed to hold on to his clean sheet when he denied striker Saladin Sahid.

Sundowns not only had to deal with aggressive opponents thriving under the incredible home support, but the cabbage pitch, too.

However, the return home will be a joyous occasion thanks to a well-taken Laffor strike that sees them with one foot in the quarter-final stages. Sundowns welcome AS Vita to the Lucas Moripe Stadium next Sunday. – Sport reporter