Highlands look to upset Sundowns in Tembisa

Aubrey Ngoma of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Talent Chawaphiwa of Baroka during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Baroka FC at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville on 11 December 2018 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Jan 21, 2019. 11:00

Highlands Park will look for an upset win over Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership clash at the Makhulong Stadium on 22 January 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Highlands played to their third successive league draw – and a 10th this season – when they were held 0-0 at AmaZulu on January 12. The Tembisa-based side is nonetheless unbeaten in their last six matches.

The Lions of the North have claimed 13 points from eight home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-2 draw with heavyweights Orlando Pirates on January 5.

Sundowns kept up their record as the only unbeaten team in the Premiership this season when they defeated Maritzburg United 1-0 at home on January 16, with a great goal from Hlompho Kekana.

The Brazilians have claimed 17 points from seven away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 2-1 win at Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month.

In head-to-head stats, Highlands and Sundowns have met in three league matches since 2016/17. The Brazilians boast an unbeaten record in the sequence, with one win and two draws to their name. The Lions of the North held the Tshwane team 2-2 in their only previous home match in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in August 2018, they played out a goalless stalemate.

Highlands’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with AmaZulu on January 12: Kapini, Fransman, Ramoraka, L. Mokoena, Msimango, Rae, Mbatha, Mahlangu (Haoseb 90’), Shalulile, Ndoro (Motlafi 65’), Mvala.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 1-0 win over Maritzburg on January 16: Mweene, Ngongca, Lebusa, Nascimento, Langerman, Kekana, Zwane, Laffor (Morena 76’), Sirino (Lakay 90’), Maboe, Brockie (Mabunda 66’).