Massive challenge facing United

After their goalless draw in Luanda against Petro Athletico in the Caf Confederation Cup group stage qualifier last week, the mathematics are not complicated for SuperSport United – they simply have to win tonight when they host the Angolans at Lucas Moripe Stadium if they are to book a spot in the group phase.

Caretaker-coach Kaitano Tembo (right), however, knows it is easier said than done.

“It is not going be easy, we need to work harder in terms of getting goals because we need to win this game in order to go through,” he said.

“They are second in the Angolan league, they have not lost at home in the past 27 games. They are a formidable side and I give credit to the guys because when we went there we stuck to the game plan and worked hard as a team,” Tembo added.

The same applies for Matsatsantsa’s neighbours Mamelodi Sundowns, who also drew their Champions League group stage qualifier against Rwandans Rayon Sport in the first leg.

Masandawana host Rayon on Sunday also at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Downs are come off a Nedbank Cup last16 win over minnows Eastern Cape Bees on Tuesday.

Sundowns assistant coach Manqoba Mngqithi says they will shift up a gear in terms of their approach on Sunday.

“We would be stupid to think that in a Champions League game we will perform the way we did on Tuesday,” said Mngqithi.

“A 0-0 draw in the Champions League is not one of the best because it exposes you to a no-mistake mentality because with one mistake you are exposed to a lot of problems.”

The former Golden Arrows mentor continued: “To be honest, because we were playing in Rwanda, we said we would beat them and that was taking an attitude that is not one of the best and it was a wake-up call.”