AS FAR vs Mamelodi Sundowns preview

Mamelodi Sundowns will be aiming for their first CAF Champions League group stage win when they take on Morocco’s AS FAR (FAR Rabat) at the Stade El Abdi in El Jadida on Saturday December 7.

Sundowns started their group stage campaign in unconvincing fashion following a goalless draw at home to Maniema Union of DR Congo, a result that raised questions over their level of preparedness, given the Congolese team are considered the weak side in a group that also has Raja Casablanca.

However, coach Manqoba Mngqithi shrugged off the result, backing his team to bounce back and go all the way to the semi-final, and his words will be put to test in Morocco on Saturday night.

Head-to-head

This is the first time AS FAR and Sundowns are meeting but the Brazilians have faced off with Moroccan opposition in the form of Wydad Athletic Club 14 times, winning four, drawing five and losing as many.

Form guide

Sundowns come into the match on the back of a 3-0 league win over Sekhukhune United, which took them to the top of the PSL table, ending a run of two games without victory, after losing the Carling Knockout final 2-1 to Magesi FC, before the draw with Maniema Union.

That run had been preceded by a four-match winning run, when the Brazilians did not concede a goal while scoring 11, and their defensive record is something the Moroccan side will have to be wary of.

Meanwhile, AS FAR come into the contest as the group leaders after they started their Champions League group campaign with a 2-0 victory over local rivals Raja Casablanca.

Why Mngqithi was 'unhappy' despite trashing Chiefs 4-0 — Mamelodi Sundowns players a goal against Kaizer Chiefs – Picture by Mamelodi Sundowns

That was followed by a 3-0 win over JS Soualem in the Moroccan league to leave them second on the table on 20 points, seven behind leaders RSB Berkane, after 12 games.

AS FAR also have a formidable defensive record and are unbeaten in 21 home matches across all competitions.

What have they said?

“I feel a great motivation within the group. We have to improve our game, become more efficient, and this strong mentality that I perceive in the players will be an important asset,” said AS FAR coach Hubert Velud.

Mngqithi, meanwhile, is wary of the threat the Moroccan team pose to his charges.

“They possess different energies away and home, at home they are highly motivated, probably ultra motivated to come at you and try to get goals but away from their supporters they are usually very timid and they will want to sit back and try to look for counterattacks,” said Mngqithi.

Mngqithi on what Komphela, Folz, Wendell & Mweene bring to Sundowns — Manqoba Mngqithi – Picture by Mamelodi Sundowns

Team news

There are no fresh injury concerns for Sundowns who should field a strong squad in Morocco and should expect Brazilian playmaker Lucas Ribeiro to play a key role as well as striker Inqraam Ryaners, who has scored in his last three matches.