After Al-Hilal and Mamelodi Sundowns played to a tense draw in their most recent Caf Champions League assignment, the Group C opponents will now do battle at Stade Amahoro in Rwanda on Friday, as the push for a place in the competition’s knockout round continues.
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CURRENT FORM
Al-Hilal and Sundowns settled for a 2-2 draw in Africa’s premium club competition last Friday in what was a tightly contested battle at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Abdelrazig Omer opened the scoring for Al-Hilal in the 15th minute, following a nervy start to the game by the hosts. However, Downs responded seven minutes later through Arthur Sales, while Teboho Mokoena put the Tshwane side ahead via a customary long-range effort in the 64th minute.
However, Sundowns failed to preserve their lead after Omer completed his brace in the 70th minute.
As it stands, Sundowns lead the way in Group C with five points to their name after three matches played. Al-Hilal currently occupy second place on the same number of points, with Downs ahead on goal difference by a single goal.
WHAT WAS SAID
With the trip to Rwanda in mind, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes that his side have no choice but to collect maximum points on away soil.
“As always, we approach every game to win,” Cardoso said after the first fixture between the two sides.
“So, we will go to Rwanda with the right strategy to win the game, of course. It has nothing to do with the match that will be played in the other stadium.
“Our match will be our match, we need to play to win, we will always play to win. We didn’t take the points we deserved [on Friday]. We're gonna have to go and fight for three points in Rwanda.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mamelodi Sundowns: Brayan Leon – Swiftly finding his feet at Chloorkop but is yet to find his feet in the Caf Champions League. The Colombian will thus look at the upcoming fixture with much excitement, particularly after he added his name to the scoresheet against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership earlier this week.
Al-Hilal: Abdelrazig Omer – After scoring a brace against Sundowns last week, Omer will be eager to exploit the Brazilians' backline once more. Along with Jean Claude Girumugisha, the duo has been a shining light for Al-Hilal in recent weeks.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 7
Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 4
Al-Hilal wins: 0
Draws: 3