Paris Saint-Germain gave Mamelodi Sundowns a clear reality check after the French giants dismantled Manchester City 4-2 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. With a possible meeting against the European champions still on the cards later this year, the result has sparked plenty of talk back home.

PSG raced into a 3-0 lead by half-time at the Etihad Stadium. Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha found the net before the break. Erling Haaland pulled one back for City eight minutes after the restart, but Maghnes Akliouche quickly restored the three-goal advantage. Haaland scored again late on, yet it was not enough. The display showed why PSG are regarded as one of the best teams in the world right now.

For Sundowns fans, the result carried extra meaning. The Brazilians recently won the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup by beating Saudi side Al Ahli. That victory put them into the Challenger Cup, where they will face the winner of the Derby of the Americas on 28 November. Should they come through that tie, they will meet PSG in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in December.

Former Sundowns defender Lovers Mohlala believes his old club should not be scared of the challenge. “When Sundowns went to the Club World Cup, they proved that they could play. South African players don’t have respect for the Europeans, that’s what I can tell you,” he said. He recalled Didier Drogba’s old comments about a lack of talent in South Africa and pointed out that the country’s rankings have improved.

Mohlala also noted that PSG look a different side in France compared with their European performances. “Football is a game of mistakes. If you minimise your mistakes on the day, any team can win,” he explained. At the same time, he urged caution. “Let’s not count the eggs before they’re hatched. There’s still another level for Sundowns to go to first, and then after that we can speak about PSG.”

He praised the club for beating Al Ahli and making history that no other local side looks likely to match soon. Sundowns continue to dominate in South Africa and Africa, but the path to a showdown with the European champions remains long. Fans will watch the next few weeks closely to see if the Brazilians can keep advancing.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2110800512379420831