Marcelo Allende speaks on Sundowns' shortcomings in Champions League | OneFootball

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Allende on Downs' CAFCL struggles

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/ BackPagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has weighed in on the Tshwane giants' shortcomings in their pursuit of the elusive CAF Champions League title.

The South African champions are often tipped to reign supreme in Africa's premier club competition but they somewhat choke in the latter stages of the tournament.

In the last three campaigns, Sundowns were knocked out in the semi-finals twice in a row, before falling short to Pyramids in the final last season.

Allende cautioned that while The Brazilians know their way to the deciding match, they shouldn't get ahead of themselves, stressing the importance of facing each game as it comes.

“We know the way to arrive to the final. I share the same sentiments with the coach, we need to go game by game, the most important is this weekend,” said the Downs midfield maestro.

"We made the way there [to the final], we know that it's many detailed moments that we need to make first on our side but the most important thing is that you only arrive there if you win a lot of matches before in the competition.

"And if we are going to start thinking about that moment and we lose the focus on what we have to do on Saturday and then the next Friday [against MC Alger], in January, February or March when the matches will be played from the group stage - maybe we will never arrive there.

He concluded: "So, we focus on daily basis, focus on the next match and from there on the following one and the other one. Don't play before nothing and don't give nothing as granted.

Sundowns will kickstart their group stage campaign with a visit from FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld Stadium as they continue their quest for a first Champions League title since 2016.