Sundowns look to end 2018 on a high

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Dec 10, 2018. 15:00

Mamelodi Sundowns will have their last Absa Premiership match of the calendar year when they host Baroka FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on 11 December 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Sundowns remained the only unbeaten team in the top flight when they defeated Tshwane rivals SuperSport United 2-1 away from home on December 2, thanks to goals from Lebohang Maboe and Lyle Lakay.

The Brazilians have claimed seven points (and just one win) from five home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a goalless draw against Orlando Pirates in early November.

Baroka claimed just their second win of the season (breaking a nine-game drought in the league) when they defeated Golden Arrows 2-1 away on November 10. It was their first win on the road since defeating Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in Durban in September 2017.

Bakgaga have claimed just three points (all from the victory over Abafana Bes’thende) from six away matches this season.

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Baroka have met in four league matches since the 2016/17 season. The Brazilians boast an unbeaten record in the rivalry, with three wins and one draw. The Tshwane club’s two home matches have brought them one win and one draw.

Last season ‘Downs completed a league double over Baroka, winning 4-0 at home in December 2017 and 2-1 away in April 2018. Percy Tau, who is no longer with the Brazilians, scored three goals across the two matches.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 2-1 win over SuperSport on December 2: Onyango, Morena, Coetzee, Lebusa, Lakay, Zwane, Manyisa (Arendse 90'), Kekana, Maboe, Sirino (Ngoma 76'), Brockie (Silva 75').

Baroka’s line-up from their 2-1 win over Arrows on November 10: Chipezeze, Mabeba (Makgaka 9’), Makume, Gebhardt, Mdantsane, Sodi, Mosele, Chawaphiwa (Kgoetyane 79’), Semenya, Dickens (Chivaviro 85’), Sibiya.