The 2016 CAF Champions league winners, Mamelodi Sundowns begin their campaign this Friday night against a familiar foe, Sudanese champions Al Hilal. The excitement and intrigue surrounding the continental campaign continues to grow exponentially, and what better way to enjoy the tournament than a former champion taking on a Champions League staple in Al Hilal.
CAF Champions League: Group A
Friday 11 February
Friday 11 February
Royal Bafokeng Stadium
18:00
To Win
Mamelodi Sundowns 7/20
Mamelodi Sundowns 7/20
Draw 29/10
Al Hilal 8/1
Al Hilal 8/1
Mamelodi Sundowns
If there’s one thing that Mamelodi Sundowns covet, it is without question the bragging rights to be best in Africa. Winning in 2016 was a long journey, and the taste for that sweet, sweet victory has yet to be quenched again.
The qualifying two leg fixture against Maniema Union was convincing. Masandawa travelled to Sudan last October to earn two crucial away league goals in a 2-2 draw where Themba Zwane pulled a brace via a penalty and 84th minute strike to put the South Africans in the lead only tow concede in the 89th. The second leg was far from what the first was, confidently getting the job done with a first half goal for Lyle Lakay and a second half strike for non-other than Peter Shalulile to progress on a 4-2 aggregate.
Sundowns have made their intentions known for continental glory in this January transfer window, signing three big players in the form of experienced Bradley Rulani, young talented national team player Teboho Mokoena, and then, arguably one of the biggest signings in recent times, Bolivian international Erwin Saavedra.
The co-coaches at Mamelodi Sundowns have complimented each other very well and have found great synergy. It has transitioned quite well into the way the side plays. All the hard work on and off the field will only be complimented by glory in Africa and taking the first three points in Group A on offer is crucial.
Al Hilal
Al Hilal are serial winners just like their opponents and are in the CAF Champions League on merit just like every other side participating. They have consistently showed their ability in the Champions League but come up short more often than not. Last season Al Hilal cleared the table to be crowned champions by 11 points with arguably the best side in the last few years.
Unlike Sundowns, Al Hilal had to go through two qualifying rounds to get to the tournament group stages. A 2-2 away draw with Ethiopian side Fasil Kenema earned two crucial away goals, as the return fixture ended 1-1 on home soil. The second round of qualifying against Nigeria’s Rivers United was a much more tightly contested fixture with another away draw of 1-1, and finally a 1-0 home victory to earn the spot in Group A.
Al Hilal made some purchases in the last transfer window and more notably, Malawian Gerald Phiri Jr. from Baroka. However, one man to definitely look out for, who has given Sundowns problems in the past is without question 28-year-old forward Mohamed Abdelrahmen.
After coming runners up in 1987 and 1992, Al Hilal have been chasing the chance to play a final ever since. Group A is without question the most difficult group to be a part of and will be hoping to steal a sneaky point on enemy territory.
Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns -1 handicap (1/1)
These sides have become familiar with each other in recent times, with their first meeting in 2008 ending in favour of the Sudanese team 4-2 followed by two wins to nil for Mamelodi Sundowns and finally a rather exciting 0-0 draw last year April. Home advantage is so crucial for the CAF Champions League, and Sundowns will take full advantage of that, despite a quick change over to a Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Get strongly behind Sundowns on the -1 handicap.
Written by Joshua Gaillard