Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory after Modiba’s first-half free-kick settled the match, while the defence protected an important clean sheet.
Cupido’s appearance was notable after injury concerns earlier this month following the league clash against Kaizer Chiefs, but he returned to partner Khulumani Ndamane at the back.
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CLEAN SHEET PLEASES MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The defender admitted Sundowns could have finished the contest earlier after creating opportunities.
“It wasn’t that tough, I think we made it difficult for ourselves basically, we had good opportunities to kill the game off, but at the end of the day we still won with the 1-0 victory and keeping a clean sheet was the most important thing for us,” Cupido told the media after the game.
The defender also expects a completely different challenge in Morocco when AS FAR have home support behind them.
“We know they are a very good team, when their supporters are behind them, when it’s a sold out affair on that side, we know it’s going to be tough for us, but if we stand together as a united team, it’s going to be easier, but we know it will be hard work for us,” he said.
RABAT TEST AWAITS ON SUNDAY
Cupido said Sundowns prepared specifically for AS FAR’s aerial strength and felt the plan worked in the first leg.
“They are really good from the crosses and set-pieces as well, but as a team we knew their strengths and we worked on it in training ,and today we didn’t give them space for opportunity, but we know when we play away it will be a different game.
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“We don’t expect what they did today, will happen that side as well, it will be more difficult for us, but if we remain together it will be easier,” the Sundowns star added.
The second leg now moves to Rabat where Sundowns will try protect their narrow advantage in pursuit of another continental title.
