Mamelodi Sundowns face a must-win situation as they face DR Congo outfit Maniema Union in the CAF Champions League on Saturday.
Miguel Cardoso’s men take on Maniema Union at the Stade des Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa and need maximum points to avoid heading into their final group match facing the prospect of an embarrassing early elimination.
The Brazilians’ campaign received a blow when they lost 1-0 to Raja Casablanca in an ill-tempered match last week, handing them their first defeat in the competition.
Sundowns now find themselves second on the group with five points from four matches, three behind AS FAR, but they are under pressure from Raja, who have four points, while Maniema Union have three.
Defeat in Congo would spell doom for the Brazilians given their final match will be against AS FAR and they could get there bottom of the group if Raja also secure maximum points this weekend.
Head-to-head
This is the third meeting between Sundowns and Maniema Union, and the second this season, having played to two draws and a win for the South African giants.
The two sides first met in October 2021, when the match ended 2-2 in Kinshasa, before Sundowns won 2-0 in Pretoria followed by the goalless draw this season.
Form guide
Sundowns may have a superior record against Maniema Union but they know it will not be easy in Congo as their opponents have held both Raja and AS FAR to 1-1 draws in Kinshasa.
The Congolese side are second in the league on 20 points from nine games, two behind leaders Vita Club, but have three games in hand.
Sundowns, meanwhile, are top in the PSL with 30 points from 11 games, setting up a tough match away.
Team news
Sundowns will be without Khuliso Mudau and Bathusi Aubaas, who were sent off against Raja, but in Iqraam Rayners, they have a striker capable of producing moments of magic which they will need in Congo.
Meanwhile, Maniema Union goalkeeper Bridel Efonge made all the difference in the first leg as he thwarted all Sundowns’ attacks and the Brazilians will have to devise a way to breach him on Saturday.
What have they said?
Cardoso is hoping that his players have recovered fully from the loss to Raja and ready for the assignment that awaits them in Kinshasa.
“So, let's recover as much as we can. Let's also see because we lost three players for the next match, let's try to see who is ready and in condition to give the answer we need,” he said.
“For sure, we will do it and see the best tactical approach so we can win the next match and make the qualification closer.”
Time & where to watch
The match will kick off at 15.00 at Stade des Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa and will be live on SuperSport TV (209).
Sundowns predicted line-up
Williams, Morena, Kekana, Khoza, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Maema, Ribeiro, Matthews, Rayners
