Experience paved way for Onyango’s save

Michaelson Gumede

Denis Onyango (right) called on all his continental pedigree, as he stopped a crucial first half penalty that helped Sundowns win 1-0 at St George in Addis Ababa on Saturday and reach the quarterfinals of the Caf Champions League.

Anthony Laffor’s strike five minutes from time gave Sundowns the lead, but the game turned on a crucial save by the Brazilians goalkeeper on the stroke of half time.

A spot kick was awarded to the home side for a handball by Anele Ngcongca, but Onyango sprung to his right to keep out Salahdin Said’s spot kick.

“It all comes with experience. I took a decision because I had to keep the team in the game, because if we had conceded at half time it was going to be very difficult for us to come back,” said Onyango after the match.

The victory, combined with Esperance’s 2-2 draw at AS Vita, means that Sundowns are a point behind the Tunisian giants in Group C, with one game left to play, at home to Vita on Friday.

Sundowns are certain of a place in the last-eight, because they have a three-point lead over St George, and with a better headto-head record, cannot be caught by the Ethiopians.

Downs coach Pitso Mosimane was impressed with the capacity crowd in Addis Ababa.

“When we were warming up before kick-off, we were like tourists, admiring the passion. I wish I had this with my team for every match. I have to say they have great passion and it is beautiful to watch,” said “Jingles”.

The defending champions were wasteful in front of goal. However, Mosimane believes that the experience in his side proved to be pivotal.

“We have experienced players, we have players who are playing for Bafana Bafana,” he said.

SuperSport United, meanwhile, held Horoya to a goalless draw in Guinea, leaving them with seven points going into their final Group D match at home to Gabonese side CF Mounana.