Mamelodi Sundowns' games against Group A's stubborn Sudanese duo may be even more important in terms of reaching the next round of the Caf Champions League than those against Cairo giants Al Ahly, said Downs co-coach Rulani Mokwena.
Omdurman clubs Al-Merrikh and Al-Hilal – both semifinalists in 2015 – have proved tough to beat for the two more esteemed teams at the start of the group stage.
"We're completely aware it's a very difficult group. We can never make that mistake of focusing all our attention on Al Ahly," the Downs' co-coach said. "We cannot be sidetracked by playing the name and not the matches. We've got certain objectives and we know the first is to qualify from the group."Before we even speak about Al Ahly and the next match we focus on the previous game, and try to see why we could not win, and then try to train and improve.