Mamelodi Sundowns are gunning for a CAF Champions League semi-final spot as they welcome Young Africans at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday night. Sundowns are fresh from a draw against Young Africans last weekend in the first leg and a win at home means they will reach the semis.
In the wake of the draw against Yanga, the Brazilians are in high spirits as they didn’t concede at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Looking at the visitors, the Tanzanians are under pressure to take the game to Sundowns to boost their chances of reaching the Last Four. However, failing to score away from home means they might be vulnerable at the back.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Young Africans:
Date: April 05, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM SAST
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Mamelodi Sundowns:
Sundowns are seriously desperate for their second continental crown and that is not a secret considering they are almost home and dry in the domestic league. They sit pretty much comfortable on top of the log table and are unbeaten. The win over Richards Bay on Tuesday night places them as favourites for the Friday duel. Moreover, Sundowns are set to welcome skipper Themba Zwane who was suspended for the clash away in Tanzania.
Young Africans:
The East Africans are searching for their first continental title and under former Sundowns boss, Miguel Gamondi, Yanga are also capable of causing an upset in Tshwane. After clinching a second finish in Group D behind Al Ahly, Yanga are out to score in Pretoria and make it to the Last Four. However, a concern for Gamondi is the fact that they may be rusty as they didn’t play during the week.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Young Africans Key Battles To Watch:
Themba Zwanes vs Jonas Mkude:
With Sundowns expecting to have the talented skipper back from suspension, Zwane will want to lead his troops to glory. His mission is to become the second skipper behind Hlompho Kekana to guide the club to continental triumph. For Mkude, his ability to command the heart of the park will be crucial for the visitors. The 31-year-old Tanzanian has all the attributes of a leader and Sundowns will have to keep him in close watch.
Ronwen Williams vs Clement Mzize:
Williams has always been key for Sundowns and will now hope to steer the side to glory in front of home crowds. The Bafana Bafana stopper can read the game and initiate their moves from the back. He will be instrumental should Sundowns reach penalty shootouts. Mzize is only 20 years old and with his ability to trouble opposing defenders, he aims to ensure Williams concedes in Tshwane.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Young Africans Head to Head:
Judging the statistics between the two outfits, Yanga and Sundowns have met once in the past. The game ended in a 3-3 draw. Looking at the match on Friday, this will be the third encounter between these two giants.
Mamelodi Sundowns Coach:
Rulani Mokwena:
The man who is credited for changing Sundowns’ hunger and precision, Mokwena targets his maiden Champions League trophy. He lifted the African Football League trophy last year and he is now gunning for a top achievement in the continent. With his difficult-to-predict tactics, Mokwena will look to silence the hostile crowds in Tanzania.
Miguel Gamondi:
The Argentine mentor, Gamondi is still searching for his first win or goal since leaving the Brazilians. As a league winner with Sundowns in 2006, Gamondi is aware of the difficulty of facing Sundowns in South Africa.
Yanga vs Sundowns What The Teams Said:
“Just to congratulate the team, I am proud of the players. I am very happy that we won. There are few things I didn’t like about the performance, but that’s okay…the number of rotations with a lot of players who have not played in a long time,” Mokwena told the media after the midweek match.
“With the turnover between the games, we don’t train. But I am happy with the attitude, the energy, and the spirit of the brotherhood. I’m happy with the never-say-die attitude, to keep on trying. These types of games are difficult and even some of the big teams are struggling. We had to be patient and keep on trying. [I am] proud of the effort of the players. I’m happy with the substitutions.”
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Young Africans Fan Sentiments
There’s no doubt that Sundowns will bank on their fans to rally behind them as they chase glory. Having survived in a hostile environment last weekend, The Tshwane outfit is expected to show hunger at home. Keeping a clean sheet away from home also gives the hosts an upper hand.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Young Africans Prediction:
Masandawana are underdogs as they are the visiting side but Sundowns are vastly experienced in continental football. Based on their experience, the Yellow nation can be able to claim a crucial win.
What’s Next For Sundowns:
In their encounter, Sundowns will travel to the Mother City for a date against Cape Town Spurs in the league on Tuesday, 09 April at Cape Town Stadium.
Related: Young Africans vs Mamelodi Sundowns Match Preview: Can Sundowns Stun Their Hosts?
