In arguably the pick of the first-leg CAFCL quarter-final first let ties, Sundowns will face off against Algerian Champions Belouizdad in Algiers on Saturday evening.
CR Belouizdad are the reigning champions of the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1, and have been in good form in this season. They finished second in their CAF Champions League group, winning three games, losing two, and drawing one. They will be hoping to continue their good run of form and secure a positive result in front of their home fans.
Today will be the first time they host a CAF Champions League at the Nelson Mandela Stadium. With the stadium named after the South African icon, it shall remain to be seen whether the Algerians will rise to the occasion or if the ground’s moniker will inspire the South African champions.
Sundowns, on the other hand, are the reigning champions of the DStv Premiership. They finished first in their group in the CAF Champions League group stage, winning four games and drawing two. They have a strong squad with several talented players capable of making a difference in the game.
Both teams have a good chance of winning the match, and it promises to be an exciting encounter. They have met twice in the Champions League before, with both sides winning one each. They both crashed out at the same stage last season with Sundowns losing to Angola’s Petro Atletico while the host Belouizdad lost to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
CR Belouizdad will be looking to make the most of their home advantage and secure a win, while Mamelodi Sundowns will be hoping to come away with at least a draw from the match. It will be interesting to see how the two teams approach the game and who comes out on top.
