Sundowns look to put pressure on league leaders

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Apr 23, 2019. 11:00

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to build pressure on Absa Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates when they host Chippa United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 23 April 2019, kick-off at 15h00.

Sundowns closed to within three points of the top of the log when they defeated Baroka FC 2-1 away from home on April 20, thanks to goals from Ricardo Nascimento and Themba Zwane. A win would see them draw level with Pirates, who are in action on Wednesday evening.

The Brazilians have claimed 19 points from 13 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-0 loss at the hands of SuperSport United in mid-April.

Chippa suffered their 12th defeat of the league season when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Bidvest Wits on April 12. The Eastern Cape side has won just once in their last six league outings.

The Chilli Boys have claimed 11 points from 13 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 win at AmaZulu in early April.

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Sundowns have met in 11 league matches since 2012/13. The Brazilians boast an unbeaten record in the sequence, with six wins and five draws recorded. The Tshwane side has recorded four wins and one draw from their five games as hosts.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in October 2018, Sundowns won 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Gaston Sirino. The teams’ last five league meetings have produced just five goals.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Baroka on April 20: Mweene, Langerman, Nascimento, Lebusa, Ngcongca, Mabunda (Coetzee 71'), Kekana (Manyisa 79'), Zwane (Lakay 90'+3), Vilakazi, Maboe, Morena.

Chippa’s line-up from their 1-0 loss to Wits on April 12: Mzimela, Macheke, Nsabiyumva, Shitolo, Tlolane, Lentjies, Komane, Rakhale, Mayambela (Malepe 65'), Mbenyane (Gamildien 77'), R.Manzini (L.Manzini 65').