Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena described their game against Al-Hilal as “difficult” confirming that underperforming to ensure Al-Ahly’s elimination was not an option.
Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Hilal in their CAF Champions League Group B at Omdurman this Saturday.
A win for Al Hilal would have confirmed Al-Ahly’s elimination, however, a late penalty save from Ronwen Williams kept the Red Devils hopes alive.
“Difficult match, difficult conditions, and we take the point,” Mokwena said in the post-match media conference.
“They are a good team, we could have won the game today. It’s a pity we didn’t win it. So, we must go again and try to improve and make the team better.
“I am not paid to judge any team and before I judge my team, I judge myself.
“I will ask myself if I did everything possible to win the game. So we didn’t win the game and that’s the blame on me.
“I don’t respond to the media, I say the work is on the pitch and things are on the pitch, we tried to win the game and it’s evident on the pitch.
“First, I put pressure on myself before I put pressure and judgment on anybody else,” he added
Sundowns have guaranteed their spot in the quarter-finals as they sit top of the group with 11 points, one ahead of second-placed Al-Hilal.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly remain third with seven points and would need to beat Al Hilal in Cairo to join Sundowns in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League.
