Mamelodi Sundowns forward Tashreeq Matthews has urged the team to put their CAF Champions League disappointment behind them. He backed the team to return to winning ways when they face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup.
Sundowns,s defence of their CAF Champions League title came to an end, after drawing 1-1 with Angolan side Wiliete SC in the second leg of their preliminary-round tie, losing out on the away-goals rule following a goalless first leg.
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Matthews acknowledged the difficulty of moving on from the setback but stressed the importance of focusing on trophies still available.
It’s difficult, very difficult to get over what happened, but at the end of the day, you have to take the step forward because you have to continue. There are more things that need to be won,” he said.
He described the upcoming encounter as an important opportunity to regain momentum and restore confidence within the team.
Matthews dismissed that facing Gallants would be about revenge, despite Sundowns’ Carling Knockout elimination by the same opponents last season.
I don’t think it’s revenge. We just have to go there, whichever team we play against, we have to win. We play to win, and that’s important,” he added.
Sundowns will look to respond positively and keep their hopes of winning domestic silverware alive.