Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena praised his side for putting in an “incredible effort” against Nouadhibou FC in the Caf Champions League.

The Brazilians secured their place in the quarter-finals after they secured a 2-0 victory over Nouadhibou thanks to goals from Grant Kekana and Thembinkosi Lorch.

Mokwena admits he expected a tough game against Nouadhibou but praised his side for holding their own to walk away with a positive result on the day.

“Firstly I’d like to congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns on the victory against a very good Nouadhibou side that’s well coached and has some very good players. I think that was an incredible effort from our players and the whole team.

“I thought in the first half we had a lot of control and chances. In the second half we also had a lot of chances and the substitutes were also very good. They brought good energy to the pitch.

“I’d also like to thank FC Nouadhibou for a very good game. They were good opponents who were very competitive,” Coach Rulani stated.

He added: “We expected a tough game. We trained on the pitch so we could see the conditions because we don’t play on astroturfs in South Africa.

“The humidity is not easy and that’s why you are stronger at home. Nouadhibou had some very good results against Pyramids FC and TP Mazembe where they picked the four points at home.

“We expected a difficult match and it proved to be a very difficult match with a lot of physicality. They had a very good defensive line. The midfield also had some very good players,” he concluded.

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