Williams On Al Ahli Challenge: ‘It’s Going To Be Very Difficult’
Mamelodi Sundowns Captain Ronwen Williams. Photo: Gallo Images
Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams says his side are confident heading into their African-Asian-Pacific Cup clash against Al Ahli, but warns it will be a very difficult match against the Saudi Arabian giants.
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Sundowns face Al Ahli at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, with the winners advancing to face the victors of the Derby of the Americas for a place in the Intercontinental Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The Brazilians have lost just one of their last 13 matches, a streak that has fuelled Williams with confidence, according to FIFA.
“We’ve done extremely well in the league and we’re in the MTN8 Cup final. This is the big one to look forward to now,” Williams said.
“The form that we’ve been in has been good and it will hopefully carry us through the final on Saturday. It’s a home game for us and we know our record at home, so hopefully that can help us to get the job done and lift the first trophy for the season,” he added.
The Bafana Bafana captain urged the Masandawana faithful, the braoder South African footballing community and the travelling fans to fill up the seats at Loftus Versfeld.
“We know when they have the band going, playing at Loftus, the shoeshine and piano will come out and they will see good football. I think it’s going to be an open game. Like I mentioned, it’s a cup final — both teams want to win it. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about the magnitude of the game and what’s at stake,” he concluded.
Williams knows it will not be a walk in the park, with Al Ahli boasting eight players who took part in the World Cup, including Edouard Mendy and goal machine Ivan Toney.
“We know it’s going to be a very difficult game, they are back-to-back Asian champions. Our work is going to be cut out for us,” Williams continued.
“When you look at their team, there’s so many guys that were at the World Cup. [Merih] Demiral played for Türkiye, [Roger] Ibañez with Brazil and obviously Ivan Toney.”
“[Edouard] Mendy as well. He’s someone that I know quite well, having watched his career and seen him achieve amazing things with Senegal. He’s been amazing. It’s a team with a lot of experience and high-quality players,” he added.
“It’s going to be a good one because if you look at our side we’ve also got a number of players that were at the World Cup. So it’s going to be good competition, a good game, and we just need to prepare well,” he concluded.
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