Downs want to maintain unbeaten run, says Lebusa

MAMELODI Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa says they won’t be complacent against Al Merrikh SC in their last CAF Champions League group stage game as they are chasing a club record after qualifying for the quarter-final.

The 2016 champions will top Group A after bagging 13 points in the last five matches, following four wins and a draw. That means the Brazilians have an advantage of playing the first leg of the quarter-final away from home. Today they’ll host the Sudanese side with a point to prove.

Downs finished with an undefeated record only once in the group stage, two seasons ago under then coach Pitso Mosimane. They could repeat that feat if they avoid defeat against Merrikh at the FNB Stadium at 3pm today.

Last season, Downs were in a similar position as they qualified for the quarter-final with a game to spare. But the rotation of players in their final group stage match against CR Belouizdad cost them as they lost 2-0 at home.

“We learnt from what happened last season,” Lebusa said. “We’ll try by all means to keep the 100% record in the group stage. It’s not going to be easy. One would say since we’ve already qualified, we’d have to take our foot off the pedal.”

But Lebusa added, “That’s not the case with us. But we’ll give it our all and make sure that we keep our 100% record.”

Their unbeaten streak included beating Al Ahly in back-to-back matches. In the Brazilians’ last win over the reigning champions, Al Ahly, they had a handful of supporters backing them at home at the FNB Stadium after the relaxation of the Covid-19 regulations.

Downs are set to welcome more fans at the Calabash after the president reopened stadiums to 50% capacity. Before entry, fans would need to produce a vaccination certificate or a valid PCR test not older than 72 hours.

“I think it’s a massive boost for us,” Lebusa said. “We missed playing in front of the fans. It’s going to be a great game for us and for the fans as well. We are really happy that we’ll finally get to play in front of them, especially after a long time.”

Progressing to the quarter-final of the Champions League has all but put Downs in a firm position to win four trophies. They’ve already won the MTN8, while they are top of the log in the league and are in the Nedbank Cup last eight.

Meanwhile, Downs are poised to be joined by Mosimane’s Al Ahly in the quarter-final. The Red Devils are second in group A and need one point from their encounter against Al Hilal, who are third, to go through.