Sundowns look to extend winning streak

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Jan 28, 2019. 14:00

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to extend their winning streak in the Absa Premiership when they host AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 29 January 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Sundowns claimed a third straight league win when they defeated Highlands Park 2-1 away from home on January 22. The Tshwane side has picked up 13 points from the last 15 up for grabs and remain the only unbeaten team in the top flight.

The Brazilians have claimed 11 points from seven home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United in mid-January.

AmaZulu have gone three league matches without a win after they were beaten 3-2 at home by Kaizer Chiefs on January 16. The Durban side has lost three of their last five league matches.

Usuthu have claimed just six points from eight away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 3-2 loss at Polokwane City in early January.

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and AmaZulu have met in 56 league matches since 1985. The Brazilians have claimed 36 wins compared to seven for Usuthu, while 13 matches have been drawn. The Tshwane side has won 16 of their 27 home matches in the rivalry, suffering five defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at King Zwelithini Stadium in mid-September 2018, they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. The last three league matches between the Brazilians and Usuthu have produced 13 goals.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Highlands on January 22: Onyango, Langerman, Lebusa, Nascimento, Ngcongca, Kekana, Mabunda, Zwane (Madisha 86'), Laffor (Lakay 52'), Morena (Malajila 89'), Maboe

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 3-2 loss to Chiefs on January 16: Mbatha, M.Gumede, Mabaliso, Van Heerden, Nyongo, Morton (Ramphela 81'), Vilakazi, Sithebe, Karuru (Ncobeni 73'), Tade, Ntuli (Cele 85').