Sundowns look to clinch Absa Premiership title

Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns during Absa Premiership 2017/18 match between Baroka FC and Mamelodi Sundowns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on 08 April 2018 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Apr 27, 2018. 14:00

Mamelodi Sundowns will have the chance to clinch the Absa Premiership title when they play Ajax Cape Town at Lucas Moripe Stadium on 28 April 2018, kick-off at 15h00.

Sundowns saw their winning streak ended at five matches when they were held 2-2 at Maritzburg United on April 25. The result may have seen the Tshwane side’s lead at the top cut to four points, but a win in this clash will secure the championship.

The Brazilians have claimed 23 points from 14 home matches this season, and they are on a three-game winning streak as hosts following victories over Chippa United, Bidvest Wits and Golden Arrows earlier this month.

Ajax have gone three league matches unbeaten after they claimed a 1-0 home win over Baroka FC on April 24. Mosa Lebusa’s last-gasp goal helped the Cape side claim victory and secure seven points from the last nine up for grabs.

The Urban Warriors, however, have the worst away record in the league: zero wins and just four points from 14 matches on the road, though their last away game ended in a creditable 1-1 draw at Chippa United in mid-April.

In head-to-head stats, Ajax and Sundowns have met in 37 league matches since 1999/2000. The Brazilians have claimed 15 wins compared to 11 for the Urban Warriors, while 11 matches have been drawn. The Tshwane side has won nine of 18 home league matches in the rivalry, suffering four defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, in Cape Town in January, ‘Downs claimed a 2-1 away win thanks to goals from Ricardo Nascimento and Sibusiso Vilakazi. The result broke a five-match unbeaten streak in home matches in the rivalry for the Urban Warriors.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 2-2 draw with Maritzburg on April 25: Onyango, Langerman, Morena, Arendse (Madisha 59’), Nascimento, Mabunda, Billiat (Soumahoro 78’), Manyisa, Kekana (Vialakzi 82’), T. Zwane, Tau.

Ajax’s line-up from their 1-0 win over Baroka on April 24: February, Zwane, Nhlapo (Julies 59’), Booysen, Lebusa, Nel (Kammies 78’), Malepe (Losper 46’), Margeman, Kabwe, Morris, Zakri.