Mamelodi Sundowns striker Anthony Laffor says he is confident that his side will overcome Esperance when they meet in the reverse fixture of their Caf Champions League campaign.

The Brazilians are currently third in the log, following their loss and the draw against St George, who they next meet away.

Laffor, after he was sidelined through injury, looks set to make his return for Sundowns for their first encounter between the two sides.

The 32-year-old says he believes that the Brazilians can overcome the North Africans side when the two sides lock horns in their second leg encounter on Wednesday.

‘Look, we are here to win. We have to win to get to the summit of our log. We are not here to draw,’ Laffor told the Mamelodi Sundowns website.

‘I watched our game against them in Atteridgeville. They are technically well-structured, but we are confident that we can break through. This was clear from the number of chances we had, so we hope that on Wednesday we will use the opportunities.’

The Liberian striker says after returning from injury, his only focus is on helping the defending champions make it past the group stages.

‘But we have a big enough squad, and we certainly do not want to be knocked out so early in the campaign. In football, there are bound to be injuries, so this should not be an excuse,’ he added.

‘I am happy to be back and fit. I am ready to play. I have achieved a great deal with Sundowns, but there is still much to achieve. I am still not satisfied with my achievements so far.

‘For now, our focus is on Wednesday’s game, and then we will look at the next game.’

Sundowns will be without the services of Khama Billiat, while Wayne Arendse and Motjeka Madisha have returned to training following their respective injuries.

Club captain Hlompho Kekana returns to the fold following his injury setback, alongside Tiyani Mabunda, Tebogo Langerman, Themba Zwane and Percy Tau, who all return from national team duty with Bafana Bafana.

Mamelodi Sundowns now travel to the Stade Olympique de Rades when they take on Esperance in their Caf Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday.

Kick-off has been set for 23:00.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix