Downs chasing dream

Michaelson Gumede

Assuming that Mamelodi Sundowns beat Nigerians Lobi Stars in the Caf Champions League, and qualify for the quarterfinals with a game to spare against Wydad Casablanca, Pitso Mosimane (above) says his side will go to Morocco looking to seal off the group phase as winners of Group A.

The Brazilians will host Stars at the Lucas Moripe Stadium tonight at the unusual kick-off time of 9pm.

“We are strong in Pretoria and a win tonight will see us qualify but if the result is not very good for Wydad Casablanca against ASEC Mimosas, we might have to play for a point against Wydad so we might be in the group winners’ pot for the draw,” said Mosimane.

The reason why Mosimane wants his side to finish at the top of Group A is simple: they would avoid facing heavyweights such as Esperance of Tunisia and Al Ahly of Egypt, as these sides are in pole position to finish at the top of their respective groups.

“We are trying to avoid Esperance, TP Mazembe, Constantine or Al Ahly. We would probably want to draw teams like Simba, Orlando Pirates or Horoya or the group that has EI Ismail. I would rather draw from them than the top teams,” said Mosimane who knows the importance of their final group fixture against Wydad, scheduled for next weekend in Morrocco.

However, before Downs travel to Casablanca, they will need to return to action in the Absa Premiership where they face challenges from the Buccaneers, Bidvest Wits and Cape Town City for their league crown.

Downs, who are second behind Pirates, who are on top on goal difference, will have to go to Maritzburg United just a few days before the crunch tie in Morocco.

“That Maritzburg game is a thorn in the flesh, but it is there and you can’t move it, we have to accept it,” said Mosimane.