Divine Lunga opens up after penalty drama in Champions League victory

Lunga gave away a first half spot kick during a tense second leg final in Rabat, with the hosts converting to pile pressure on Sundowns before Teboho Mokoena restored parity with a crucial equaliser.

The Brazilians held on for a 2-1 aggregate victory to be crowned African champions, and with a winners’ medal around his neck afterwards, Lunga opened up on the emotions he experienced during the dramatic encounter.

"I was caught off guard as a player. At this stage, when you play such finals, you have to switch on a bit. If I had cleared that ball at the same time, it would be another story, and maybe my positioning was bad. After the penalty, I was so down," said Lunga.

READ: AS FAR coach reflects proudly on Champions League showing

 Lunga also revealed a private conversation with his mother before leaving for Morocco to face AS FAR in the return fixture. 

"Before I left home, I went to my mother. She covered me with prayers and said, 'Do not be scared of anything; you're going to make it. I know it's been difficult for you this season, but you will overcome this thing.'

"After that penalty went in, I said to myself, 'No, Divine, you can still get this. It 's not the first time this has happened; you're not the first one. Just gather yourself and fight with the guys. Put your head up, and then you're going to calm the situation; you're going to win.' Then I looked forward, did my best, and that's what I can say."

The Zimbabwean international arrived at Sundowns in 2021 as a bit part player who was loaned out to his former team Golden Arrows but has stayed the course. 

Lunga said he’s had to be patient at Chloorkop.

Sundowns now have the difficult task of trying to defend the continental title and equal records held by Al Ahly – the seven times champions. 

Lunga says it’s not impossible, however it’s not easy either.