Leopards desperate to end losing streak

by BackPageTXT

Monday Apr 29, 2019. 13:00

Black Leopards will be desperate to end their mini losing streak in the Absa Premiership when they host Mamelodi Sundowns at the Thohoyandou Stadium on 30 April 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Leopards suffered a second successive loss (and extended their winless streak to five matches) when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Maritzburg United. The result left the Limpopo side just three points above the foot of the table.

Lidoda Duvha have claimed 19 points from 13 home matches this season, recording five wins, four draws and four defeats.

Sundowns claimed a second successive win when they defeated Chippa United 3-2 at home on April 23, thanks to goals from Hlompho Kekana, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Gaston Sirino. It was the team’s first back-to-back league wins since January.

The Brazilians have claimed 28 points from 13 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 2-1 win at Baroka FC earlier in the month.

In head-to-head stats, Leopards and Sundowns have met in 19 league matches since 2001/02. The Brazilians have claimed 12 wins compared to five for Lidoda Duvha, while just two games have been drawn. The Limpopo side has recorded four wins, one draw and four defeats from their nine home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Loftus Stadium in February, Sundowns claimed a 3-0 home win thanks to a strike from Lebohang Maboe, an own goal from Khomotso Masia and a penalty from Ricardo Nascimento. The Brazilians have won six straight games against Lidoda Duvha.

Leopards’ line-up from their 2-1 loss to Maritzburg on April 27: K.Ndlovu, Munganga, Munyai, Zulu, Katjiukua, Masalesa (Sekotlong 80'), Hlongwane, Tshepe (Mhlongo 58'), Mahangwahaya (Ndlovu 87'), Bereng, Musonda.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 3-2 win over Chippa on April 23: Mweene, Morena, Nascimento, Lebusa, Langerman, Mabunda, Kekana, Vilakazi (Madisha 72’), Zwane, Sirino (Lakay 86’), Maboe (Coetzee 90+3’).