Football
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 7y

Onyango fired-up by league failure

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango says the loss of the club's domestic league title to Bidvest Wits has fired the South African club up for more success in the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns host Tunisian side Esperance ST in their latest African Champions League Group C clash in Pretoria on Friday evening, an opportunity for both clubs to take a firm grip on the pool.

They head the group with four points each, followed by Ethiopian club St George (two points) and surprise strugglers AS Vita Club (zero) from DR Congo.

"We want to get the team back to where it belongs following our loss of the domestic league title. Esperance are one of the biggest on the continent, but we are determined to turn things around at home," Onyango said.

"It's not just about us and Esperance. Vita are still in it, as are St George, who have two points. Winning one game will give them five points and lift them in the stakes."

Like last year when they went on to lift the title, Onyango wants Sundowns to seal their berth in the knockout stages as early as possible and prevent a potentially nervous final round of matches.

"It is critical for us to wrap it up early to relieve the pressure later on. When we score, we know we are capable of winning, but we have to keep it clean at the back," the Uganda international says.

"But we will continue taking it one game at a time, and would urge our supporters and the rest of the country to support the teams that campaign in the continental competitions.

"It's not just about us, it's about the country as players benefit from this exposure and prepares them for their national team campaigns."

Sundowns have never lost a Champions League match at home, with their 35 previous games ending in 27 wins and eight draws.

Sundowns met Esperance in the pool stages of the Champions League in both 2000 and 2001, claiming a 2-0 win and a 0-0 draw at home. They lost 3-2 and drew 0-0 in Tunis.

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