Klopp's advice to Downs' Mokwena: 'To succeed, lose the right matches'

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena believes that despite losing their quarter-final first-leg the Brazilians will reach the CAF Champions League semi-finals.

Downs lost the first-leg 2-1 against Angolan side Petro Atletico at Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Saturday night.

The return leg takes place on Saturday at FNB Stadium and coach Mokwena tells media that he is confident Sundowns will score and progress to the semi-final stage of the African showpiece.

"We were a bit unfortunate with the goal that was disallowed through VAR, but we are OK to go to Johannesburg with a 2-1 scoreline and we take the away goal. We can definitely score, and I think Petro also know there is a goal in [Johannesburg]," Mokwena said.

"I am reminded of something Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp once said to me when I visited Melwood [Liverpool's previous training grounds], and I never thought I would use it because I am coach who wants to win every single match.

"In football you either win, lose or draw and Klopp said to me if you want to succeed in football, lose the right matches. I think we lost the right match because it doesn't get us out of the competition, and we still have a chance to correct the tie."

This was Sundowns' first loss in this seasons Champions League having previously had five wins and a draw so far in this seasons campaign.

"We lost the right match. It shows us we are not invincible but in a humble way we accept the lesson, and we move on. Now it is to recover and bring the team back to SA safe.

"It is about watching the game again, do corrections and prepare for the second leg but we will be in the semi-finals."