Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has dismissed claims by the Egyptian media that his side are trying to sabotage rivals Al Ahly.

The Brazilians were forced to settle for a point against Al Hilal after playing out to a 1-1 draw in their Caf Champions League Group B encounter in Omdurman.

Hilal needed to win the game in order to secure their spot in the quarter-finals but they claimed a point which saw them remain above Al Ahly.

Hilal will now take on Ahly in a must win clash for a place in the knockout round but Egyptian media has suggested that Masandawana are keen to see their rivals exit the tournament.

Mokwena has since hit back and defended his club and insists that his only focus is on his own club and their development and progression in the competition.

“Firstly, I’m not paid to judge any team,” Mokwena told the media. “I try to judge my team and before I judge my team, I judge myself. I ask myself, ‘did everything possible to win the game?’ So we didn’t win the game and that’s [the blame] on me.

“First, I put pressure on myself before I put pressure and judgment on anybody else.”

“Secondly, I do not respond to the media. I just say the work is on the pitch and things we do are on the pitch. We tried to win the game and it was evident on the pitch.”

Photo by EPA/KHALED ELFIQI