AmaZulu look to upset Sundowns

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Sep 14, 2018. 16:00

AmaZulu will target an upset win over Mamelodi Sundowns when the teams meet at King Zwelithini Stadium on 16 September 2018, kick-off at 15h00.

AmaZulu suffered their second defeat of the season when they were beaten 3-0 at Bidvest Wits on August 29. Goals from Gift Motupa, Mxolisi Machupu and Simon Murray saw the Durban side succumb in Johannesburg.

Usuthu have lost both of their away games this season, with their defeat to Wits joined by a 1-0 reverse at the hands of SuperSport United in early August.

Sundowns have not been in league action since August 22, when they were held to a goalless draw at home by Highlands Park. It was the Tshwane side’s second draw in their opening three league matches this season.

The Brazilians’ only away game in the Absa Premiership this term brought them a 2-0 win at Polokwane City in early August, courtesy of goals from Ricardo Nascimento and Lebohang Maboe.

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and AmaZulu have met in 55 league matches since 1985. The Brazilians have claimed 36 wins compared to seven for Usuthu, while 12 matches have been drawn. The Durban side has won just two of their 28 home matches in the rivalry, suffering 20 defeats in the process.

Last season the teams won in each other’s back yards, with AmaZulu triumphing 2-1 in Tshwane in the first half of the campaign, while the return game in Durban saw ‘Downs claim a 3-1 victory thanks in the main to a brace from Sibusiso Vilakazi.

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 3-0 loss to Wits on August 29: Josephs, Sikhakhane, Mabiliso, Nyongo, M Gumede, Ncube (Cele 67'), Vilakazi, Sithebe, Ncobeni (Ntsundwana 78'), Tade (Ramphele 56'), Khenyeza.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with Highlands on August 22: Onyango, Ncgongca, Arendse, Nacimento, Langerman, Sirino, Kekana, Zwane, Vilakazi (Lakay 86’), Meza (Tony Silva 81’), Brockie (Madisha 55’).