Confident Belouizdad out to claim Downs scalp

CR Belouizdad will be out to humble Mamelodi Sundowns in a CAF Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algers on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 9:00 pm CAT.

FORM

The Algerian champions are winless in their last three competitive matches having succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to MC Oran in a Ligue Professionnelle 1 match on Monday.

Belouizdad booked their spot in the quarterfinals after finishing second in Champions League Group D and they are hoping to go all the way and clinch their maiden continental title this season.

Sundowns, on the other hand, are enduring a four-match winless run across all competitions having suffered a 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC in a Nedbank Cup clash on April 15.

The South African champions eased into the quarterfinals after winning Champions League Group B and they are determined to win the prestigious tournament for the second this year.

TEAM NEWS

Belouizdad have no suspension worries and the club has urged its supporters to avoid throwing bottles, igniting flares, throwing sticks and using lasers during the game against Sundowns.

Meanwhile, Sundowns will welcome back Teboho Mokoena back from suspension, but Rivaldo Coetzee, Erwin Saavedra and Thabiso Kutumela are currently injured.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Belouizdad assistant coach Nader Hbiri

“As for the African Champions League draw, we know that all the teams that qualified are the best,” Hbiri said on iDiski Times.

“And the first three teams want to avoid facing CRB because we’re an excellent team. The luck avoided us with [drawing] Sundowns. It is a strong team and an excellent team.

"They have strong technical elements and collective strength. But we also have strong elements. We will prepare for this match to win the first-leg match to play comfortably and confidently in the return match.”

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS HEAD COACH RHULANI MOKWENA

“We have to stay focused because we'll be playing against a good side that knows that they will also be playing another quality side," Mokwena said.

"Our focus is on the match performance and trying to make sure that we are at our best and performing to a level that is expected of us.

"Fortunately, we have very experienced staff and players who know how to handle the demands of a trip like this. There will be an opportunity for us to demonstrate our appreciation to him and what he has done for our country.”

HEAD TO HEAD STATS

This will be the third meeting between Belouizdad and Sundowns across all competitions having recorded a win each.

Masandawana hammered Belouizdad 5-1 in a Champions League Group B clash in Tanzania in February 2021.

However, the North African side got its revenge as they won 2-0 in another Group B encounter played in Pretoria in April 2021.