Mamelodi Sundowns will look to confirm its place in the Caf Champions League semifinals as the club travels to Mali to face Stade Malien in the second leg of their quarterfinal clash at the Stade 26 Mars in Bamako on Sunday.
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Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Sundowns are in firm control of the tie, having won the first leg 3-0 at home in Pretoria last Friday.
Goals from Khuliso Mudau, Brayan Léon and Iqraam Rayners put Masandawana in the driving seat. However, other big teams from across the continent have struggled in Mali this campaign.
Stade Malien boasted an impressive home record in the group stage of the Champions League, beating Simba SC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Petro de Luanda at Stade 26 Mars.
In contrast, Sundowns struggled away from home in their group stage campaign, recording two draws and one loss in their matches outside of South Africa.
While Stade Malien looks to keep its home record alive, Sundowns will be looking to better its away record.
Although a 2-0 loss will be enough to see last year’s finalists through, the Brazilians will be looking to enter the semifinals with a statement of intent.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking after his side’s loss in the first leg, Stade Malien head coach Mauril Njoya vowed that his team would produce the winning result needed to advance.
"I think that next match, it will not be the same like this. I promise you that we are going to win the match in Bamako. Even 3-0, to go even to penalty kicks, I don't know, but we have to score goals, many goals."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stade Malien - Taddeus Nkeng will be looking to turn things around for his side. The Cameroonian striker has bagged two goals this campaign and will be looking to add to his tally as Stade Malien attempt to mount a comeback.
Mamelodi Sundowns - Nuno Santos has impressed since arriving in South Africa from Portugal. The midfielder has provided four assists and two goals in his debut season in the Champions League and will surely be relied on to guide Sundowns into the final four.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Stade Malien wins: 0
Sundowns wins: 1
Draws: 0