In the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal tie against South Africa’s top club Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, Algerian champions CR Belouizdad face a daunting task to overturn a 4-1 deficit.
Sundowns outclassed CRB in every way in the first leg, and it appears that “The Brazilians” only need to keep their focus and avoid a catastrophe at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Sundowns’ head coach Rulani Mokwena is keeping his side focused and avoiding a collapse by pushing for another emphatic result at home.
Namibian striker Peter Shalulile, who scored two goals in the first leg, will be eager to add to his total, while Neo Maema and Teboho Mokoena are establishing themselves as the preferred creative forces in the midfield.
Meanwhile, CRB faces significant challenges, including the absence of two central midfielders, Houssem Mrezigue and Zakaria Draoui, due to injury. Even if head coach Nabil Kouki’s job depends on it, there is little belief from CRB that they can come back.
However, Algerian outlet Competition speculates that Mohamed Bakir may start to bring energy and attacking impetus to the midfield or attack.
