'We just need to match their hunger and our quality will show on the pitch,' said the Sundowns goalkeeper.
Mamelodi Sundowns veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has urged caution ahead of Friday night’s CAF Champions League group stage encounter against Al-Hilal at Loftus Versfeld, warning that the Sudanese side cannot be taken lightly.
Sundowns’ chance to take control
The Brazilians host Al-Hilal knowing that a victory would hand them an advantage in the race for qualification to the knockout stages. Sundowns currently sit top of Group C on goal difference after two matches, level on four points with Hilal.
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Despite the home advantage, Onyango believes the match will be far from straightforward, highlighting Al-Hilal’s intensity and desire as key factors that make them dangerous opponents.
“We just need to match their hunger and our quality will show on the pitch because we do have the quality players,” said Onyango.
“It’s going to be a very competitive game. We saw them when they played MC Alger, you could tell that they are a team that’s fighting for their lives.
“They do that all the time whenever they play so we just need to know what to do and that’s to work a little bit harder than them.”
Al-Hilal have already demonstrated their threat in Group C, having claimed a surprise 2-1 win over MC Alger in their opening match. Onyango stressed that Sundowns must be prepared to match Al-Hilal’s determination if they are to impose themselves on the game
The Sudanese giants are currently competing in the Rwandan Premier League due to the ongoing civil war in their home country, a situation the experienced Ugandan international believes has only strengthened their unity and resolve.
Onyango on Al-Hilal’s ‘hunger’
“What makes them difficult is the hunger they have because they stay together for the entire season. You must understand that Al-Hilal is a big team in Sudan and in Africa because they have been in this competition for a very long time,” Onyango added.
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“For them, playing away from home pushes them to give some joy and hope to the supporters back home in Sudan. Tomorrow you will also see Al-Hilal supporters … they have really pushed them to do well in the Champions League.”
