Al Ahly SC and Mamelodi Sundowns have announced their starting line-ups for this evening’s CAF Champions League group stage encounter at Al Salam Stadium.
It’s been a dream start for Sundowns in the CAF Champions League which sees them sitting top of the group with six points and four goals scored.
Downs are familiar with this fixture as they’ve faced the Red Devils eight times taking home three wins, losing three, and drawing one.
Rulani Mokwena is yet to lose a game as the head coach.
“We’re looking forward to the game against a very, very good side, a team that has shown very good domestic form – very consistent in the league, having played 16 games, 12 wins and three wins out of their last five games, with only a draw… so it’s a good side,” he said in the pre-match press conference.
“Also looking at their performances at the Club World Cup, some very good performances against Real Madrid, deserving win against Auckland City, good strong performances against Seattle Sounders and Flamengo.
“So from a performance perspective, we know we have a very strong team we have to play against, with a very good coach and we know we have to perform well to have a chance to win this match.”
Captain Teboho Mokoena echoed the sentiments on what is set to be a blockbuster fixture for African football at the Al Ahly Stadium in Al Salam City.
“We’re facing the Team of the Century, it’s going to be a big game, so I urge the fans to come watch a beautiful game and they will be entertained, we’re looking forward to it [as players],” Mokoena said.
Meanwhile, an upset last week that shocked many was when the Sudanese champions defeated Al Ahly by 1-0.
But the 10-times CAF Champions League came back strong hammering Aswan FC by 3-0 away from home with some of their key players rested for this important fixture.
The Red Devils are under massive pressure after Al Hilal beat Coton Sport to have six points and Ahly with no point after losing their opening game.
The Egyptian side has played only one game as they were busy with FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco – in which they finished in fourth place.
Here is how they line up:
Al Ahly XI: Elshenawy, Maaloul, Metwally, Abdelmonem, Hany, Marwan, Dieng, Afsha, Abdelkader, Elshahat, Tau.
Sundowns XI: Williams, Modiba, Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Mokoena, Allende, Mkhulise, Zwane, Mailula, Shalulile.
