Laffor the hero as Downs make it
ANTHONY Laffor continued his love affair with Kampala while proving why Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach Pitso Mosimane calls him the man for big occasions. The Liberian came from the bench to score the goal that took the Kings of Africa to the group stage of the CAF Champions League in their title defence.
This was the second time that Laffor scored against Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in Uganda. He first did it in 2009 with Supersport United who lost that match 2-1 and then played to a goalless draw in the second leg in Pretoria. The scoreline was similar eight years later, but this time around it was in favour of Sundowns.
KCCA came into this match high in confidence, buoyed by the away goal Sserunkuma scored in the first leg that Sundowns won 2-1 at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Yesterday the former Bloem Celtic striker once again beat Wayne Sandilands to put the hosts ahead. That goal gave KCCA hope, driven by the desire to become the first Ugandan club to reach the group stage of the restructured Champions League.
Mosimane started with Wayne Arendse in place of Soumahoro Bangaly at centreback while Yannick Zakri replaced the injured Sibusiso Vilakazi. The aim was to bulldoze the Ugandans with their aerial strength because they struggled to deal with it in Atteridgeville. But Arendse lasted for only 10 minutes before picking up an injury that saw Bangaly return to partner Ricardo Nascimento at the back. It’s not the defence that the Brazilians have struggled with, though. The problem has been scoring goals. But with 10 minutes to go yesterday, Laffor showed his big match temperament to score the goal that took Sundowns to the group stage. – Sport reporter