It’s cup time again. Mamelodi Sundowns host Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night, kickoff 20:00.
The Brazilians sit top of the Betway Premiership with six wins, three draws, and one loss. Is cup redemption the motivation after they crashed out of the MTN8 semifinals against Orlando Pirates last month?
The two sides know each other. September’s league clash in Bloemfontein ended 1-1. Iqraam Rayners scored, but Keanu Cupido’s own goal gifted Gallants a point. Last season’s Carling Knockout semifinal against the same team? Sundowns won 2-0 with Neo Maema and Lucas Ribeiro on the scoresheet.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS HOST MARUMO GALLANTS IN THE CARLING KNOCKOUT
There’s another memory for the hosts. Sundowns lost last year’s Carling final 2-1 to Magesi FC. Rayners scored first, but Tshepo Kakora and Delano Abrahams stunned the Free State Stadium.
How are the latest numbers looking? Sundowns top the Betway Premiership with 21 points from 10 games, 17 goals scored, and only five conceded. Gallants? Eleventh place. Two wins, four draws, three losses. They’ve managed just eight goals, while conceding nine.
On facing Gallants again, Sundowns coach Cardoso told journalists: “Their game is hard to control in terms of pressing the spaces upfront… we need to be very strong to cope not only with counterpress but also with controlling the space behind our defence.”
*Gallants’ coach, Alexandre Lafitte, has yet to speak ahead of the game.
TV DETAILS
- Channel: SuperSport 202.
- Kickoff: 20:00.
SUNDOWNS VS GALLANTS PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Sundowns: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Keanu Cupido, Malibongwe Khoza, Aubrey Modiba; Bathusi Aubaas, Marcelo Allende, Nuno Santos; Tashreeq Matthews, Arthur Sales, Iqraam Rayners.
Gallants: Washington Arubi; Khumbulani Ncube, Sibusiso Sikhosana, Mpho Chabatsane, Lebohang Mabotja; Sekela Sithole, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Bheki Mabuza; Teboho Motloung, Daniel Msendami, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.
Also read: Update: Sundowns superstar Zwane to make it to Afcon?