Mamelodi Sundowns will be hoping to suffocate Pyramids FC under the scorching weather conditions when they host the Egyptians in the group stages match of the CAF Champions League at Loftus Stadium this afternoon.
Traditionally, north African countries and clubs prefer to play their matches at night and always struggle to cope with the heat when they play against the Brazilians during the day. So, the Brazilians will have the upper hand.
The Brazilians have turned their fortresses Loftus Versfeld Stadium and Lucas Moripe Stadiums into slaughterhouses and not many teams have returned home with a favourable result.
So, it is not going to be any different for Pyramids, who must gear themselves for a hectic afternoon.
Before yesterday’s clash between other Group A opponents TP Mazembe and FC Nouadhibou (Mauritania), Sundowns were topping Group A with three points after registering a win and a loss in the two rounds of matches played so far.
The Brazilians will be looking to consolidate their position by amassing maximum points against the troublesome Egyptians.
The PSL defending champions are also looking to avoid back-to-back group stages defeats in the Champions League.
Mazembe defeated Sundowns 1-0 last week in Lubumbashi via a 60th-minute goal by Glody Likonza, who capitalised from a lapse in defence and headed past Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns players Khuliso “Sailor” Mudau and Themba “Mshishi” Zwane almost gave Sundowns a win, but their efforts crashed against the crossbar, resulting in the Brazilians’ first loss in the Caf Champions League since their defeat to Angola’s Petro de Luanda last year.
In the first group match against Nouadhibou, Masandawana were in uncompromising mood when they walloped them 3-0, with Gastón Sirino, Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro Costa getting on the scoreboard.
However, they were brought back to earth in Congo by the enterprising Mazembe.
