Mamelodi Sundowns start their CAF Champions League title defence away to Wiliete in Lubango, Angola, on Sunday.
The second qualifying round match kicks off at 5pm South African time on Sunday, 18 October. Sundowns had a bye in the first round, according to ESPN.
The Brazilians travel to Angola in strong form. They won the MTN8 title after beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the final. Before that, they reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Miguel Cardoso’s side has lost only one match this season, ESPN reported. That defeat came in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final against Golden Arrows. Sundowns overturned the deficit in the second leg to go through.
Wiliete finished second in the Angolan Girabola last season, behind Petro de Luanda. They beat Primeiro de Agosto to the second Champions League place.
The Angolan club reached this round by beating Foresters Mont Fleuri of Seychelles 5-0 on aggregate. That tie was played in the first preliminary round.
Wiliete are doing even better at home this season. They top the Girabola table after six games, with five wins and a draw.
In the Premiership, Sundowns lead the table with 23 points from nine games. They are only one point ahead of Orlando Pirates, who have a game in hand. Sundowns have drawn two league games, while Pirates have drawn one.
Sundowns have been easing Mothobi Mvala back into action after a long injury layoff. Teboho Mokoena played in the MTN8 final despite picking up injuries during the international break.
Mokoena also played in the 4-1 league win over Richards Bay. ESPN reported that Modiba missed that game.
ESPN said Cardoso has a deep squad to choose from. He must weigh injury worries against the demands of a tricky away trip.
ESPN’s predicted Sundowns line-up has Fawaaz Basadien, Mothobi Mvala, Grant Kekana and Thabang Matuludi in defence. Marcelo Allende, Thabo Cele and Nuno Santos are expected in midfield.
Antonio van Wyk, Brayan León and Cassius Mailula are tipped to lead the Sundowns attack.
For Wiliete, ESPN named Giovani Chipolopolo, Mindinho, Júnior Goiano and Wiwí in defence. Bito, Cairo and Gilberto are expected to play in attack.
Sundowns have reached the Champions League knockout rounds in 10 of the last 11 seasons. They have made it in each of the last eight seasons.
The club has played in the last two finals and in four semi-finals in a row, according to ESPN.
Source: this article is based on reporting by ESPN. Image: ESPN. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.