The Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa is the venue for Saturday's critical Group B clash from the CAF Champions League between Congolese side AS Maniema Union and South African super club Mamelodi Sundowns. Kickoff is set for 13:00 GMT in a match that could be hazardous for favorite Sundowns who are facing a Maniema Union side that are eliminated from contention for the quarterfinals with a defeat.
Group B Table
GP | Points | |
AS FAR | 4 | 8 |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 4 | 5 |
Raja CA | 4 | 4 |
Maniema Union | 4 | 3 |
Maniema Union
In a group that could be considered the "Group of Death", the Congolese club have done remarkably to still be in the chase. Maniema Union showed their capabilities against Sundowns in their opening Group B match by drawing in South Africa and now they could jump back into contention with a victory at home. While the defense continues to perform creditably, Maniema Union have only scored twice in their four matches which coach Papy Kimoto referred to in his pre-match press conference.
The reality is that Kimoto has few options when it comes to player selection so he has to get the best out of what he currently has. Former TP Mazembe striker Japhte Kitambala is proving his ability to perform the duties of a "#9" striker but cannot find the goal, something that continues to frustrate supporters. Star winger Jeancy Mboma appears to still be injured leaving creative midfielder Basiala Amongo as the attacking focal point.
Goalkeeper Brunel Efonge has performed well but his forgettable performance in last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at AS FAR needs to be improved upon. A poor start doomed Maniema Union to defeat but the central defense, anchored by a three-man line, has been very strong in home matches and receives support from wingbacks like Abedi Bokomboli. The longer the hosts can keep the match scoreless the more pressure it will put on visitors Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso encountered his first defeat in charge last weekend in Morocco against Raja and now the coach has plenty to figure out. Bathusi Aubaas and Khuliso Mudau are both suspended due to red cards collected against Raja. There is plenty of depth in the team to overcome absences but the bigger question for Cardoso is figuring out how to improve the attacking fluidity in his team.
Veteran Thapelo Morena is likely to replace Mudau and is a bit more adventurous in the attack which could make a difference. Chilean attacking midfielder Marcelo Allende will keep his partnership with Marcelo Allende in the center of the midfield with temperamental forward Lucas Ribeiro ahead to create and finish opportunities. Striker Iqraam Rayners enjoyed a great spell at the turn of the new year but fared poorly against Raja.
The defense is always strong with goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams leading the unit but normally reliable players are also showing moments of weakness. Left back Aubrey Modiba has been looked over for Divine Lunga after a poor performance at AS FAR a few weeks ago but could return after Lunga failed to show much better. South Africa national team player Grant Kekana has not been as solid as he usually is in the center of defense. It appears that Kekana may partner with impressive youngster Malibongwe Khoza once again but Rushine de Reuck is an intriguing option as well.
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