Mbekile says Mamelodi Sundowns believe they can win the African Champions League

30 June 2016 - 14:01 By Marc Strydom

Mamelodi Sundowns’ two impressive results in the Caf Champions League (ACL) group stage have increased their belief that they are capable of winning the competition‚ says the Brazilians’ right-back Asavela Mbekile. Downs are on course for the semifinals of Africa’s most prestigious club competition following their 2-1 victory against physically imposing 2015 Nigerian Premier League champions Enyimba at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.The result saw Downs on three points from one game after their 2-0 win against ES Setif was annulled because the Algerian club were expelled from the ACL after fan violence caused that game to be abandoned.Egyptian giants Zamalek also have three points from a game played‚ having beaten Enyimba 1-0 in Nigeria in their first match. Enyimba are on the back foot in the now-three team Group B‚ from which the top two teams reach the semifinals‚ after their two defeats.Premier Soccer League champions Downs could even wrap up a semifinal place with a win against Zamalek in Cairo on July 17‚ though a win and a draw from the Pretoria side’s final three games will be enough to guarantee that they progress past the group stage.“We’re all motivated for that game against Zamalek. To be the best you have to play against the best‚” Mbekile said.“It gives us that edge that if we beat Zamalek it means we’re getting close to our dream of being the best in Africa.“The two results that we have had have given us confidence from having played two top teams‚ and we’ve got results out of them. And that shows that we’re good enough to win the Champions League.“The coach has been saying that we’re good enough. So we just have to go to Zamalek to play‚ and enjoy ourselves.” Downs’ wins against Setif away and Enyimba at home mean they have beaten the 2014 and 2004 Champions League winners respectively.The Brazilians have lifted themselves from being recalled from their off-season holidays to compete in the ACL group stage after their second round opponents‚ AS Vita Club of Democratic Republic of Congo‚ were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.“It was an important three points‚” Mbekile said of the win against Enyimba.“It means a lot to us because it takes us a step closer to the semifinals. If we win the next game we can qualify for the semis.“At the moment it’s a nice situation between us and Zamalek for the semifinals. Unless something drastic happens and we lose the next three games. ”Sundowns took the lead through Leonardo Castro’s close-range 43rd-minute strike. Ojo Oluwadamilare equalised for Enyimba in the 58th. Downs centreback Wayne Arendse scored a 77th-minute winner.– TMG Sport..

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