Elgabas explains why Sundowns will be tougher than Pirates

Pyramids FC striker Dodo Elgabas has offered a candid assessment ahead of their CAF Champions League final, stating that Mamelodi Sundowns will pose a tougher challenge than their semi-final opponents, Orlando Pirates.

In just their second CAF Champions League campaign, the Egyptian Premier League side has reached the final, where they’ll take on another South African powerhouse, 2016 champions Mamelodi Sundowns, for the title.

Despite the formidable challenge, 38-year-old Elgabas believes they are well-prepared, having encountered Masandawana in last season’s group stages and famously overcome Pirates in a thrilling second leg in Cairo last month.

In beating Pirates 3-2 on aggregate in the semis, the Egyptian side thwarted an all-South African final. Meanwhile, Sundowns secured their spot by eliminating Egyptian giants Al Ahly 1-0 over two legs, after a goalless first-leg draw.

“I think we had a very good game against Pirates,” said Elgabas while addressing the media at the Loftus Stadium on Friday afternoon.

“We know South African football, its technical players, we know they like to play football on the ground. We played Orlando last month, we had a game against Sundowns, we’re used to this football.

“Maybe it’s an advantage we played against Orlando, I don’t know, they are two big teams, but Sundowns has more experience in competitions like this, and I think they play a different type of football. They both play good football, but everyone has their own tactics. I think Sundowns will be harder.”

Sundowns will host Pyramids in the first leg of the Champions League on Saturday [tomorrow] at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, with kickoff set for 3 PM (CAT).