Al Ahly SC and Mamelodi Sundowns have announced their starting line-ups for this evening’s African Football League (AFL) blockbuster encounter at Cairo International Stadium.
It’s been three days since Sundowns narrowly beat Al Ahly 1-0 in the first leg of their AFL semi-final in Pretoria, courtesy of a Thapelo Maseko goal.
The so-called ‘African Derby’ is a fixture that puts the African continent on a standstill as it grows year in year out.
There have been many talking points coming into the second leg, with the Red Devils releasing a statement to the Confederation of African Football, complaining about match-officiating in three recent CAF matches, including the first leg.
On the other side Downs head coach Rulani Mokwena hit back with statistics of the first leg in South Africa.
Sundowns have a 1-0 advantage coming to the second leg, meaning any win or draw would send them to the final, while a scoring defeat by just one goal would see them advance on away goals.
Meanwhile, the 11-time CAF Champions League winners must win the match with a two goal margin, if they want to go through – if they would win 1-0 tonight, the match will go to extra-time.
These two sides have faced each other on 13 occasions, and while Al Ahly won four (all at home), Sundowns have won five and three ended in draws. Sundowns have won four out of their last six clashes, with the other two ending in a draw.
Here is how they line up:
Al Ahly SC XI: El Shenawy, Rabia, Abdelmonem, Akram, Maaloul, Marawan, Dieng, Emam, El Shahat, Tau, Kahraba
Subs: tbc.
Sundowns XI: Williams, Mvala, Coetzee, Boutouil, Mudau, Modiba, Kekana, Allende, Zwane, Sirino, Maseko
Subs: D. Onyango, De Reuck, Lebusa, B. Onyango, Nku, Zungu, Mashego, Mendieta, Mkhulise, Maema, Mabena, Maboe
