Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stade Malien: Who will win the CAFCL quarter-final clash?

Mamelodi Sundowns were paired with Malian side Stade Malien in the CAF Champions League quarter-final and on paper, they are the overwhelming favourites.

Sundowns got the quarter-final debutants in the draw conducted in Cairo on Tuesday afternoon, avoiding the big boys being record 12-time winners Al Ahly and holders Pyramids.

But while they will be relieved with the draw outcome, they will need to be at their absolute best to knock out the Malian side.

Stade Malien did not come to play as they topped a Group D that had four-time winners Esperance, Petro de Luanda of Angola and Tanzania giants Simba.

Why Stade Malien will be tough

They had made it to the group stages for the first time in 19 years and they looked like seasoned giants by the way they went about their business, winning three, drawing two and losing just one.

The Malian club only lost away to Simba but had home wins against all their Group D opponents while they avoided defeat away to Esperance and Petro.

That is a big warning to Sundowns, who were nearly knocked out at the group stage, after managing just two home wins against St Eloi Lupopo and MC Alger.

The Brazilians were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Al Hilal, lost 2-1 away to the Sudanese giants, while they drew 1-1 and goalless on the road against Lupopo and MC Alger.

What gives Sundowns the edge?

Given the run of Stade Malien, Sundowns will not be celebrating the draw. However, looking at the experience and quality of the two teams, there is no denying that the PSL champions have the edge.

It would be a surprise if Sundowns failed to advance to the semi-final and they have the advantage of a first leg at home which they can secure a win to protect away.

With an expensively-assembled squad that has the likes of new R50 million signing Brayan Leon, who has four goals in six matches already, Portuguese playmakers Miguel Reisinho and Nuno Santos, Brazilian Arthur Sales, added to the experience of the likes of Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena, Sundowns should be too much for the Malian team.

Stade Malien benefited from being tight at the back as they conceded just twice in their six group stage matches, keeping four clean sheets, and Sundowns will have to find a way to unlock them in the quarter-final.