Sundowns on track for third ACL final

May 2023

SEMI-FINAL IS INCLUDED IN CASH-ADDED SOCCER 10 POOL

By Mark Gleeson

Mamelodi Sundowns must make a slight adjustment to the midfield, but for the rest will have their players fresh and ready for tomorrow’s African Champions League clash with Wydad Casablanca in Pretoria.

Sundowns are bidding to reach a third final, following finishing runners-up in 2001 and winning the continent’s top club competition in 2016. Never have they had as good a chance, or looked as imperious, as they have in this campaign and go into the match fresh from celebrating lifting the DStv Premiership trophy on Tuesday night. They have completed their league campaign and can now focus solely on the Champions League.

Sundowns had two players sent off against Wydad in last Saturday’s first leg - Marcello Allende and Neo Maema - but only Maema started the goalless draw in Casablanca. He is likely to be replaced by Sphelele Mkhulise, who has the ability to maintain the quick passing rate that Sundowns need to unlock what will be a stubborn Moroccan defence.

Sundowns did not play any of their regulars in the league clash against Maritzburg United on Tuesday, which means there will be no issues involving fatigue. That means they should be in optimal form to win tomorrow’s tie and advance to the final.

The other finalist is virtually certain to be Al Ahly of Egypt, thus keeping up their incredible record as the dominant club in African football. Bafana striker Percy Tau scored twice in the away first leg against Esperance of Tunisia and will again lead the attack for tonight’s return match in Cairo, which looks a formality for the home side.

The DStv Premiership comes to a dramatic conclusion tomorrow with eyes on the race for second place and the battle to avoid relegation.

Finishing runners-up guarantees a Champions League berth next season and Orlando Pirates are marginally ahead of SuperSport United on goal difference only. Both are away from home and have difficult hosts with the Buccaneers at AmaZulu and SuperSport at Sekhukhune United. Pirates have arguably the easier task, but it will be no walk in the park.

At the bottom Chippa United and Marumo Gallants both need only a point to avoid bottom place and send Maritzburg down. But that may not be easy -Chippa are at home to Golden Arrows, who are chasing a top-eight finish, while Gallants are away to Swallows, who need a victory to finish in the top eight.

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