CAFCL FINAL: Preview – Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR

Everything is on the line

If Masandwana fails to win this competition it will be the first time in decade where the Brazilians will finish a season without a trophy which is something that will put coach Miguel Cardoso under scrutiny.

This is a second back-to-back final for Sundowns under Cardoso in the Champions League as in the previous campaign to lost to Egyptian side Pyramids SC by 3-2 on aggregate.

The Tshwane giants will have to give everything that they have as this will be their fifth final and they only won it once in 2016 under coach Pitso Mosimane.

The Yellow nation is looking to break a record to become the first South African team to have won the competition twice. While Cardoso is expected to deliver the trophy that the team have been long looking for years.

If he fails to deliver, he could possibly be fired as Bafana ba Style will end this term trophyless.

As for AS FAR they last lifted this continental prestigious trophy back in 1985 and they are coming with one mandate not to lose an away game and make sure that in Rabat the sail the match.

Team News

Downs come into this much anticipated encounter with some problems in their defence with Keanu Cupido doubtful to make it in the match the squad due to injury he sustained against Kaizer Chiefs. The visitors will be looking to capitalise on that as Sundowns have been leaking goals at the back recently.

The Moroccan side have also suffered a setback as three key players understood to be unavailable for selection, which reports have described as a “defensive disaster” for manager Alexandre Santos.

Fallou Mendy has been ruled out of the first leg due to a thigh injury, which is said to be a major blow because of the important role the Senegalese defender plays in the side.

 Zineddine Derrag will also be unavailable due to suspension after being handed a three-month ban for a doping violation involving prohibited substances in April.

Goalkeeper Ayoub El Khayati is reportedly unable to regain his fitness in time, forcing the medical staff to exclude him the squad.

Verdict

Sundowns must win at home to make things easy for them when they travel to Rabat, while the Black Army must avoid losing and make sure that they at least get an goal away will work in their favour.

Betting on Bet.co.za for both teams to score is a safe bet.