Mamelodi Sundowns have to overcome a North African jinx that has beset SA sides in continental club competitions over the years.
In the last four continental finals that a South African team has been involved in, North African clubs have come out tops. Eight-time champions Al Ahly previously disposed of Sundowns (in 2001) and then Orlando Pirates (in 2013) in the CAF Champions League final. After beating Sundowns, Al Ahly went on to beat Kaizer Chiefs in the 2002 CAF Super Cup final after Amakhosi won the Mandela Cup.
Last year Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia defeated the Buccaneers in the Confederation Cup final. Pirates were also beaten by a Tunisian side in the 2006 Champions League semifinals, losing to CS Sfaxien. On all the occasions - except the Super Cup final which is a once-off game - local teams were held to a draw at home in the first leg and then beaten away in the second leg.
Even though CAF conducts a draw to determine who hosts the first and second leg in the final, it's strange that the outcome seems to have always favoured the North African teams.
As Sundowns prepare for the clash against Egyptians Zamalek next month, they will need to make sure they get a convincing victory at home to take to Cairo for the second leg.
Former Pirates assistant coach Teboho Moloi, who has been involved in Bucs' last two finals and their semifinal defeat in 2006, explains why North Africans have been so dominant.
"Playing away from home during the group stages and in the final is totally different. When you play the second leg in Tunisia or Egypt, the country comes to a standstill," said Moloi.
"They also play a lot of mind games. When we went to the final, Al Ahly did not put us in a proper hotel like they did when we played them in the group stages. They told us the hotels were fully booked. They want to intimidate you and really make you feel that you are playing away from home."
Moloi, however, believes Sundowns can overcome Zamalek. "With the material Sundowns have, I give them a chance."
Moloi suggested that the final should be played at a neutral venue.
Sundowns must end North African jinx against Zamalek
Mamelodi Sundowns have to overcome a North African jinx that has beset SA sides in continental club competitions over the years.
In the last four continental finals that a South African team has been involved in, North African clubs have come out tops. Eight-time champions Al Ahly previously disposed of Sundowns (in 2001) and then Orlando Pirates (in 2013) in the CAF Champions League final. After beating Sundowns, Al Ahly went on to beat Kaizer Chiefs in the 2002 CAF Super Cup final after Amakhosi won the Mandela Cup.
Last year Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia defeated the Buccaneers in the Confederation Cup final. Pirates were also beaten by a Tunisian side in the 2006 Champions League semifinals, losing to CS Sfaxien. On all the occasions - except the Super Cup final which is a once-off game - local teams were held to a draw at home in the first leg and then beaten away in the second leg.
Even though CAF conducts a draw to determine who hosts the first and second leg in the final, it's strange that the outcome seems to have always favoured the North African teams.
As Sundowns prepare for the clash against Egyptians Zamalek next month, they will need to make sure they get a convincing victory at home to take to Cairo for the second leg.
Former Pirates assistant coach Teboho Moloi, who has been involved in Bucs' last two finals and their semifinal defeat in 2006, explains why North Africans have been so dominant.
"Playing away from home during the group stages and in the final is totally different. When you play the second leg in Tunisia or Egypt, the country comes to a standstill," said Moloi.
"They also play a lot of mind games. When we went to the final, Al Ahly did not put us in a proper hotel like they did when we played them in the group stages. They told us the hotels were fully booked. They want to intimidate you and really make you feel that you are playing away from home."
Moloi, however, believes Sundowns can overcome Zamalek. "With the material Sundowns have, I give them a chance."
Moloi suggested that the final should be played at a neutral venue.
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