Mamelodi Sundowns will face Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad in the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final at Loftus in Pretoria this afternoon.
The Brazilians are in a comfortable position coming into this fixture thanks to the 4-1 lead they secured in Algeria a week ago.
Rulani Mokwena rested his key players in the midweek league clash win against Richards Bay FC at Loftus. Captain Themba Zwane, Neo Maema, Peter Shalulile, Mothobi Mvala, and Aubrey Modiba were all rested while Teboho Mokoena was serving his league suspension.
Belouizdad were shocked by how Sundowns dominated and outplayed them at home in the first leg. It was their biggest defeat at home, and was the first time they conceded 4 goals at home.
The defeat forced them to take a week-long rest in preparation for the second leg.
Sundowns will be confident as they have scored 33 goals in the competition this season. The free-scoring comes from the style of play Rulani Mokwena has perfected since taking over.
Belouizdad are bad travellers on their own. They scored just one goal away in the group stages matches, and today they need a minimum of four unanswered goals to make it through to the semis.
Sundowns Belouizdad
2 Wins 1
1 Losses 2
0 Draws 0
9 Goals For 3
3 Goals Against 9
Predicted Line Ups
Sundowns
Williams – Mudau, Modiba, Botouli, Mvala – Mokoena, Maema, Mbule – Zwane, Mailula, Shalulile
Belouizdad
Guendouz – Keddad, Bouchar, Belkhiter, Laouafi – Rebiai, Draoui, Belkhir, Bouras, Iwuala – Wamba
Verdict: Sundowns to Win to Nil
Masandawana should really have the measure of the tourists this afternoon. The Algerians are poor on the road and will be there for the taking. Back Downs to wins the comfortably.
