Mamelodi Sundowns have their backs against the wall as they take on Al Ahly in their CAF Champions League semi-final second leg in Cairo on Friday.
Sundowns and Al Ahly played out a goalless draw at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday but it was the Egyptian giants who had the chances despite the Brazilians having 74 percent possession.
The PSL giants did not have a shot on target while the Cairo Red Devils had three, two converted, but ruled out for offside.
It means Miguel Cardoso’s men must improve greatly on Friday, if they want to make it to the final for the first time since 2016 when they won their only Champions League crown.
Sundowns have been knocked out at the semi-final in the last two seasons and there is pressure on Cardoso to deliver another continental crown after Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi were dismissed over failure to do well in the competition.
Head-to-head
The South African giants head to Cairo in a confident mood as despite Al Ahly being record champions, including winning the last two titles, they have had a tough time against them.
Sundowns are unbeaten against Al Ahly in their last eight meetings, winning four, with the other ending in draws, their biggest win over that period being a 5-2 victory in March 2023.
However, their last three meetings have produced just one goal and the meeting in Cairo points to another low scoring match given Sundowns are yet to concede in the knockout stages.
Form guide
Both teams have an identical record in their last five matches coming into this, as they have won two, drawn as many and lost one.
Their last three games have witnessed each of them draw two and lose one match, hence the need to get back to winning ways at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.
CAF Champions League pedigree
While Al Ahly have a poor recent record over Sundowns, no team comes close to them when it comes to winning titles in Africa as they have a record 12 Champions League crowns and have lost five other finals.
Sundowns, meanwhile, have been in the final twice, in 2001, when they lost, and 2016, when they won it.
With Al Ahly known to grow in strength as the competition continues, few can rule them out of a third straight final and eventually winning it.
Team news
Sundowns are buoyed by the return of captain Themba Zwane, who made his long-awaited comeback in the first leg last week, after recovering from an Achilles injury that had kept him out since October 2024.
Zwane will provide the necessary creativity but Cardoso has warned against rushing him back, saying he is not ready to play 90 minutes, but “Mshishi” can be the difference maker whatever minutes he gets.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly will likely miss defender Yahya Attiat Allah after he sat out the first leg while it is not certain if Ali Maaloul will return to the fold.
What have they said?
Sundowns defender Divine Lunga is unfazed by the expected hostile 75,000 crowd which will provide an intimidating atmosphere at the revered Cairo International Stadium.
“Playing in big stadiums will not be new for us, moreover, we have several players who are exposed to such crowds in their respective national teams. It’s going to be a normal game for us, and the huge crowd will not affect us in any way,” Lunga told the club’s website.
Time & where to watch
The match will kick off at 20:00 on Friday and will be live on both SuperSport TV (202) and SABC3.
Mamelodi Sundowns Predicted XI
Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Kekana, Lebusa, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Ribeiro, Rayners, Shalulile
