CAF Champions League: Sundowns to make home advantage count

CAF Champions League: Sundowns to make home advantage count

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to continue their impressive home form as they host Maniema Union in the CAF Champions League group stage at Loftus Versfeld.

 

The South African side is in formidable form, having won their last seven home matches across all competitions, including an 8-0 aggregate triumph over Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League qualifying rounds.

Sundowns have been particularly lethal in the first half, scoring seven of their 12 goals in the opening 45 minutes of their last six matches.

In contrast, Maniema Union have had a more modest run, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches but struggling to find the back of the net early in games.

Their most recent achievement was a 2-1 aggregate win over Petro de Luanda in the second preliminary round, with a 2-1 victory at home followed by a goalless draw away.

However, they are still searching for their first goal in continental cup play, having yet to score in the opening half of any game this season.

When these teams last met in the CAF Champions League in October 2021, Sundowns claimed a 2-0 victory at home.

While Maniema Union have been tough to beat away, having not lost in their two qualifying away matches, they will face an uphill battle against the high-flying Masandawana, who have scored freely and dominated at Loftus Versfeld.