Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena is expecting a tough battle against CR Belouizdad when the two sides go head to head in the quarter-final first leg of the Caf Champions League at the Baraki Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Brazilians jetted off to Algeria on Monday ahead of their highly-anticipated knockout clash against the Algerian side in Baraki.

Sundowns sealed their progression to the quarter-finals after they finished top of the Group B standings and will now participate in a two-legged fixture which will see CR Belouizdad play hosts to Sundowns in Algeria before Sundowns welcomes them for the second leg a week later at Chloorkop.

Mokwena has urged his side not to underestimate their next opponents as they have been doing well in the Champions League as well as on the domestic front.

“We know that going to Algeria will be something difficult for us, particularly with the travelling and trying to map our way between the domestic fixtures,” Mokwena told his club’s official website ahead of their quarter-final clash.

“It’s a draw that we accept with a lot of humility, but also with a clear understanding that it’s going to be difficult. Belouizdad is a very good side even though they finished second in their group with 10 points.

“They have had a good campaign in the Champions League, and in their domestic league where they sit in the first position. They are a very interesting side with impressive tactical formations and structures with good players and play a similar 4-3-3 and 4-2-2.”

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