‘Downs look to bounce back from first defeat

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Feb 05, 2019. 12:00

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to get their Absa Premiership title push back on track when they host Black Leopards at Lofus Versfeld Stadium on 6 February 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Sundowns suffered their first league defeat of the season when they were beaten 2-0 at home by AmaZulu on January 29. It was the Tshwane team’s first Premiership loss in more than a year.

The Brazilians have claimed 11 points from eight home matches this season, with their only two wins as hosts coming against Free State Stars and Maritzburg United.

Leopards were also beaten in their last match, going down 3-0 away to Bloemfontein Celtic on February 3 to bring an end to a five-game unbeaten streak.

Lidoda Duvha have claimed just six points from nine away matches this season. Their reverse in Bloemfontein was a fifth defeat on the road in 2018/19.

In head-to-head stats, Leopards and Sundowns have met in 18 league matches since 2001/02. The Brazilians have claimed 11 wins compared to five for Lidoda Duvha, while just two games have been drawn. The Tshwane side has recorded seven wins and suffered just one defeat from their nine home matches in the rivalry.

The teams last met in the league in the 2012/13 season, with ‘Downs completing a league ‘double’. The Brazilians won 1-0 at home and 5-2 away. It brought the Tshwane team’s winning streak against Lidoda Duvha to five matches.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 2-0 loss to AmaZulu on January 29: Onyango, Ngcongca, Nascimento, Lebusa, Langerman (Lakay 73’), Laffor (Brockie 46’), Kekana, Mabunda (Ali Meza 71’), Zwane, Sirino, Maboe.

Leopards’ line-up from their 3-0 loss to Celtic on February 3: K. Ndlovu, Mudau, Munganga, Masia, Zulu, Hlongwane, Nene, Bereng (Kapinga 76’), Tshepe (Sekotlong 57’), Mhlongo (Mahangwahaya 61’), Musonda.