Mamelodi Sundowns are set for a ‘make or break’ showdown against AS Togo-Port in the Caf Champions League on Friday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The Brazilians are on the brink of elimination after failing to claim a win in their opening three games in Group C, making the remaining games must-win encounters.
Pitso Mosimane’s side collected only two points from three games and currently sit at the bottom of the table, three points adrift of table-toppers Wydad Casablanca and Horoya AC. The Absa Premiership champions shared the spoils with both Horoya and Wydad in their first two games, while suffering a defeat against Togo-Port last Tuesday.
Sundowns had a great performance in their first leg against Togo-Port, but failed to find the back of the net, suffering a shock 1-0 defeat in Lome.
However, Sundowns will be hoping that playing on home soil will give them an advantage over their opponents, with Jeremy Brockie and Themba Zwane finding their scoring boots in the 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Shell Helix Ultra Cup last weekend.
Meanwhile, Togo-Port underperformed in the first leg, despite claiming maximum points against Sundowns.
This was the first win in the group stages for Togo-Port, having lost their opening two games against Horoya and Wydad.
However, they will be boosted by the return of captain Issifou Bourahana, who returns from suspension after missing the first leg.
Togo-Port are labelled as ‘underdogs’ in the Group C, but should not be underestimated after eliminating the likes of AC Leopards and Al-Hilal, despite their poor record away from home.
This is their maiden participation in the Caf Champions League, but have previously featured twice in the Caf Confederation Cup, where they were knocked out in the preliminary stage on both occasions.
Probable line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: 4-4-1-1
Onyango, Morena, Nascimento, Arendse, Langerman, Mabunda, Kekana, Manyisa, Zwane, Sirino, Brockie.
Togo-Port: 3-5-2
Klomegan, Bourahana‚ Kove, Djadja, Bode, Yacoubou, Novon, Sangare, Ibrahim, Hunlede, Sewonou.
