Mamelodi Sundowns are set for the second leg of the Caf Champions League final against Pyramids on Sunday at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.
The first meeting between the two sides at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane on Friday May 24, ended even.
While Masandawana are chasing their second star, the Egyptian outfit is targeting their maiden crown in the prestigious continental competition.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
Pyramids recently ended their Egyptian Premier League second on the table with 56 points, just two less than champions Al Ahly. It explains why they will be throwing everything they have against the South African giants.
Miguel Cardoso's men won the Premier Soccer League for the eighth consecutive time, explaining why they come into the match high in confidence. They have not been in action since the first leg, meaning they have had enough time to prepare for the fixture.
This will be the fourth time the teams are meeting in continental competitions; two games have ended in a draw, with Sundowns winning the remaining one.
What They Said
Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic is anticipating a tough outing against the South African heavyweights, insisting the league disappointment is in the past.
“What happened in the league doesn't matter now; we have 90 minutes ahead of us, the most important in the club's history. We need to fight, have spirit, and be focused,” he said as quoted by the Egyptian media.
“Sundowns is a strong team, but we have the potential to win our first continental title,” he concluded.
Sundowns attacker Lucas Ribeiro is anticipating a tough clash with their Sunday hosts, but still remains optimistic of getting a positive outcome.
“I am very with the team, we fought together, I’m very happy to have scored [in the first leg], but the job is not finished, we’re going to Egypt, finish the chances that side. I’m very happy, but it’s very difficult, especially in the last minutes [when Sundowns conceded],” he said in his pre-match interview.
“But this is football, so the message is to stay strong, we go that side and play very well. It’s a difficult game, all games in the Champions League are difficult, tactically, there’s less space to play. But it’s okay, we stay strong, go to Cairo, and become Champions,” he concluded.
Team News and Starting XI
In the first leg, Abdelrahman Magdy and Ramadan Sobhi were declared fit and started from the bench. The only absentee is Osama Galal, who has been out since December, but other players are available and ready for the duty.
The Brazilians recently welcomed back their captain, Themba Zwane, and defender Mothobi Mvala, who didn't feature in the initial meeting. Rivaldo Coetzee remains the long-term absentee.
Pyramids Probable XI: El-Shenawy, Chibi, Marei, Samy, Hamdy, Lasheen, Toure, El Sayed, El Karti, Adel, Mayele
Sundowns Probable XI: Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Modiba; Allende, Mokoena; Costa, Rayners, Matthews; Shalulile
Where to Watch
The game will be broadcast by SABC Sport and SuperSport on Sunday from 19.00 hours SAT.
