Sundowns vs Maniema Union – Mamelodi Sundowns are determined to shake off the disappointment of their Carling Knockout loss to Magesi and focus on their CAF Champions League opener. The match against Congolese side AS Maniema Union will take place on Tuesday evening at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash.

Sundowns vs Maniema Union: Kick-Off

Date: Tuesday, 26 November 2024
Kick-off: 18:00
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa
Broadcast: Live on SABC 2, DStv’s SuperSport TV Channel 209, and radio stations; stream on DStv Stream and SABC+.

Previous Head-to-Head

This will be the first encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS Maniema Union in the CAF Champions League.

Recent Form

Mamelodi Sundowns:

24/11/2024: Magesi 2 – 1 Sundowns
10/11/2024: Marumo Gallants 0 – 2 Sundowns
06/11/2024: Sundowns 2 – 0 Polokwane City
02/11/2024: Kaizer Chiefs 0 – 4 Sundowns
30/11/2024: Sundowns 3 – 0 Cape Town City

AS Maniema Union:

20/11/2024: Celetse 0 – 1 Maniema
10/11/2024: Maniema 3 – 0 Renaissance
06/11/2024: Dauphins Noirs 0 – 1 Maniema
26/10/2024: Maniema 3 – 1 AS Vita Club
17/10/2024: Motema Pembe 1 – 1 Maniema

Players to Look Out For

Manqoba Mngqithi is expected to make several changes to his lineup following the 2-1 defeat to Magesi. Teboho Mokoena and Lucas Ribeiro will likely be central to Sundowns’ midfield, while the attacking trio of Peter Shalulile, Iqraam Rayners, and recent standout performances from Shalulile will be pivotal for scoring opportunities.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is also crucial for Sundowns, with Mngqithi hoping for a clean sheet at home.

Loftus Versfeld Stadium

Loftus Versfeld has long been a fortress for Sundowns, with the team winning 13 out of 15 league matches here last season. This 2010 FIFA World Cup venue is also known for hosting significant events like the 2023 African Football League final and multiple Currie Cup finals.

Betting Odds

Betting Option	Odds
Sundowns to Win	3/10
Draw	33/10
Maniema to Win	17/2
Sundowns to Win by 1 Goal	7/2
Sundowns to Win by 2+ Goals	5/2
Both Teams to Score	11/10
Over 2.5 Goals	5/4
Under 2.5 Goals	7/10

Betting Tips

Sundowns Victory: With the home advantage at Loftus Versfeld and their strong CAF Champions League form, Sundowns are favorites to win. Their record here makes them a solid bet for the victory.
Over 2.5 Goals: Sundowns’ attacking strength, led by Peter Shalulile, combined with Maniema’s ability to score, suggests this game could feature more than two goals.
Both Teams to Score: With Maniema having shown solid attacking form, especially in recent fixtures, both teams finding the back of the net is a real possibility.

Predicted Starting Line-up

Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Mosa Lebusa, Rushine de Reuck, Thapelo Morena
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Lucas Ribeiro, Andile Jali
Forwards: Peter Shalulile, Iqraam Rayners, Neo Maema

Conclusion

Mamelodi Sundowns enter this match as heavy favorites, with the home advantage at Loftus Versfeld. After their tough loss to Magesi, they will be eager to bounce back and get their CAF Champions League campaign off to a strong start against a competitive AS Maniema Union side. Expect Sundowns to dominate possession and pressure the visitors early in this crucial group-stage encounter.