Definitive outing for Onyango, Sundowns

The task awaiting former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango and his Mamelodi Sundowns teammates on Friday night in Cairo is as daunting as it is defining.

Chasing a return to the Caf Champions League final for the first time since their lone triumph in 2016, Sundowns take a goalless draw from the first leg in Pretoria into the lion’s den: the Cairo International Stadium.

There, they must get at least a score draw against 12-time winners and defending champions Al Ahly to progress on the away goals rule.

But this will be no walk in the park. Sundowns face an Ahly side that have dominated African football for eons, winning four of the last five titles and eyeing a third straight crown.

Hostile atmosphere

Adding to the challenge is a hostile atmosphere. Egyptian authorities approved Al Ahly’s appeal to increase attendance to 75,000 fans - more than double the usual cap for continental fixtures since the Arab Spring, which saw stadium crowd limits imposed due to security concerns.

Back on the pitch, Onyango remains a key figure in the Sundowns camp. A pillar of their 2016 triumph, the veteran goalkeeper has since ceded the number one spot to Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams.

Yet his wealth of experience - particularly in tricky North African away fixtures - remains invaluable.

“We know we can score. We’ve won in Cairo before,” Onyango told iDiski Times. “It’s still open for everyone.”

The veteran added: “Of course, there’s a bit of disappointment because we’re used to winning at home. Normally we score goals at home, but this time we failed.”

Onyango believes Ahly approached the first leg cautiously. “They were very compact - five at the back and closing the midfield,” he said. “They knew if they opened up, we’d come at them. We hope they open the game more in Cairo.”

Sundowns have had the better head-to-head in recent clashes, with four wins and three draws from the last seven meetings with Ahly.

Zwane returns

Their hopes tonight will also be boosted by the return of captain Themba Zwane, who missed the first leg. His creativity could be the missing spark the South Africans need to unlock a disciplined Ahly backline.

Zwane’s return comes at a crucial time, especially with Sundowns struggling to create clear-cut chances in recent matches.

Coach Miguel Cardoso will hope his side can rise to the occasion and write a new chapter in the club’s continental journey.

Caf Champions League

Friday, April 25, 2025

Semi final 2nd leg, 7pm

Al Ahly vs Mamelodi Sundowns (first leg 0-0)