AmaZulu welcome log leaders Sundowns

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Mar 02, 2018. 09:00

AmaZulu will have the challenge of facing the Absa Premiership leaders when they host Mamelodi Sundowns at King Zwelithini Stadium on 2 March 2018, kick-off at 18h00.

AmaZulu played to their ninth draw of the season when they were held 0-0 at Free State Stars on February 24. The Durban side has lost just one of its last seven league games to rise into the top 10 of the standings.

Usuthu have claimed 17 points from 11 home matches this season. Their last game as hosts produced a 2-1 win over Durban rivals Golden Arrows in early February.

Sundowns extended their unbeaten run in the league to five matches with a 1-1 draw at home to Tshwane rivals SuperSport United on February 24. It was their third draw in the space of four games, having drawn just once in their first 18 league outings.

The Brazilians have claimed 26 points from 11 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 win at Cape Town City in early February.

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and AmaZulu have met in 54 league matches since 1985. The Brazilians have claimed 35 wins compared to seven for Usuthu, while 12 matches have been drawn. The Durban side has won just two of their 27 home matches in the rivalry, suffering 19 defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, AmaZulu claimed a surprise 2-1 away win in Tshwane thanks to goals from veteran strikers Siyabonga Nomvethe and Mabhuti Khenyeza. The result ended a streak of four straight wins and nine games unbeaten for ‘Downs in this rivalry.

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with Stars on February 24: Mbatha, Mabiliso (P. Gumede 70’), M. Gumede, Nyongo, Ouro-Akoriko, Darpoh, Mnguni, Karuru, Lumkwana, Nomvethe (Ncobeni 84’), Abraw (Manzini 66’).

Sundowns’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with SuperSport on February 24: Onyango, Langerman, Morena, Madisha, Nascimento, Manyisa, Billiat (Vilakazi 50’), Kekana, Sirino (Brockie 86’), Zwane, Tau.