Mamelodi Sundowns are poised to face Morocco’s AS FAR in a crucial CAF Champions League, Group B, encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium this Sunday at 18h00.
With both teams vying for the top spot, this match could define who leads the group into the knockout stages.
Sundowns, currently in second place with eight points, trail AS FAR by just one point. The stakes are high, with a win potentially catapulting the South African club to the top of the standings. However, a draw would still be enough for Sundowns to advance, though they aim for a victory to secure a more favourable position in the next round.
Iqraam Rayners, who scored in the first leg, emphasised the need for patience and adherence to Downs’ game plan. “Yeah, they will come with a lot of confidence. They will fight, they will make it difficult for us, but we just have to be patient and be ourselves, and that’s what will make us win the game,” Rayners said.
AS FAR, under interim leadership following coach Hubert Velud’s recent operation, plan to play conservatively. Velud, confident in his team’s abilities, stated before leaving for South Africa, “We have all the capabilities to compete for this title. This team is very good. We achieved what was required, and the qualification is fair and deserved.”
Defensive midfielder Larbi Naji underscored the match’s significance, “After achieving the most important thing, which is the qualification, the next challenge is to return from South Africa with a result that supports our lead.” He also expressed support for Raja Casablanca, who could still influence the group’s outcome in their match against Maniema Union.
khuliso Mudau and Bathusi Aubaas will not feature in this fixture due to suspension.
The previous encounter between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw in Morocco, setting the stage for what promises to be a tactical and intense battle in Pretoria. Sundowns will be without key players Bathusi Aubaas and Khuliso Mudau due to suspensions but are buoyed by their recent 2-1 comeback victory over Maniema, where Peter Shalulile made significant contributions.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will likely lean on Shalulile for goals, having started him effectively in the last match. AS FAR’s strategy might involve sitting back to counter Sundowns’ expected aggressive play, as Rayners noted, “I just think they will sit back obviously because they want to finish top in the group, but for us to finish top [of the table] we need to push ourselves.”
This match is not just about securing a spot in the next round but also about establishing dominance in African club football. Fans are in for a treat with both teams having everything to play for in this pivotal CAF Champions League encounter.