GAME DAY | Mamelodi Sundowns braced for a crucial CAF Champions League clash against Sudan’s Al Hilal
Mamelodi Sundowns gear up for an exciting CAF Champions League match against Sudan’s Al Hilal, with coach Miguel Cardoso expressing confidence in his team’s preparations.
Coach Miguel Cardoso isn't losing sleep over Al Hilal's recent form. As the Brazilians prepare for Friday night's CAF Champions League clash at Loftus, the message is clear: expect a different level of intensity in Pretoria. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Following their midweek victory in the Betway Premiership, Mamelodi Sundowns will shift their focus to the CAF Champions League on Friday night (8pm kick-off).
Sundowns will host Sudan’s Al Hilal at Loftus Versfeld in the CAF Champions League, Group C clash.
As Sundowns prepare for a mouthwatering clash, coach Miguel Cardoso looks ahead to the match.
“We are glad to be back in the Champions League, and we are in a good position on the table. Obviously, Al Hilal is a strong team with a good record. We have, however, prepared well for this game. We know our responsibility to ensure we get a positive result.”
While admitting it will be a titanic tussle, Miguel said Al Hilal should anticipate a Sundowns team that will present something different.
“We expect them to be at the level they’ve shown in the competition. They had a wonderful game against MC Alger. They were very competitive, but obviously, Sundowns are not MC Alger,” said Miguel.
“The way we play is very different, so we expect a different game. We know what we have and what we are capable of doing. We know our responsibilities. Most importantly, we understand the pressure and the importance of what we have to do in this competition, as you may imagine.
Likely starting XIs:
Sundowns: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Keanu Cupido, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Nuno Santos, Arthur Sales, Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners
Al Hilal: Farid Ouédraogo, Steven Ebuela, Mohamed Saeed Ahmed, Mustafa Karshoum, Khadim Diaw, Walieldin Khidir, Madické Kane, Abdelrazig Abderraouf Omer, Adama Coulibaly, Sunday Adetunji, Mohamed Abdel Raman