Pretoria — Mamelodi Sundowns have been dealt a significant injury concern ahead of their decisive CAF Champions League second-leg clash against Wiliete SC, with key midfielder Teboho Mokoena absent from training. The Bafana Bafana international was forced off during the first leg in Angola and is now racing against time to be fit for Friday's must-win encounter at Loftus Versfeld .

Mokoena was stretchered off in the 40th minute of Sunday's goalless draw in Lubango after aggravating a ligament injury originally sustained while on international duty . Coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed that the midfielder had taken a knock to the same area that had troubled him previously, forcing an early substitution that saw Bathusi Aubaas come on in his place . The club is still awaiting the results of medical examinations to determine the full extent of the damage .

The 29-year-old's potential absence represents a major blow for the defending champions, who already faced an uphill battle following a frustrating stalemate in Angola. Mokoena's influence in the heart of midfield has been central to Sundowns' domestic and continental success, and his ability to dictate play and break up opposition attacks would be sorely missed in a match where a place in the group stage is on the line . Cardoso acknowledged the importance of his senior players, noting that "the maturity of Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena is important to sustain the team" .

There is some positive news for the Brazilians, however, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams expected to return after being rested as a precaution for the first leg. Williams picked up a minor knock in training but was omitted from the matchday squad solely as a safety measure, and Cardoso expects to recover him promptly . The potential return of the captain would provide a significant boost to a side that struggled to impose itself in the attacking third on Sunday .

Sundowns now face a straightforward equation at Loftus Versfeld: win to progress. The goalless draw in Angola means the tie remains finely poised, but history heavily favors the South African giants, who have won their last 14 home second-round matches and have never lost a home fixture at this stage of the competition . Cardoso has called for a more aggressive and offensive approach from his side, demanding that they "display the level of a team that wants to win in the Champions League" . Whether Mokoena can be part of that effort remains the pressing question for the defending champions.

Source https://x.com/A_B_Ditlhobolo/status/2112859032138493960