Sundowns with the chance to go top

Lebogang Manyama of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Tiyani Mabunda of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on 05 January 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Oct 26, 2019. 15:29

Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns will have the chance to go to the top of the log when they host current leaders Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday 27 October 2019, kick-off at 15h30.

Sundowns claimed a fourth straight league win when they defeated Highlands Park 1-0 – with a late goal from new striker Mauricio Affonso – on Wednesday October 23. The result left the Brazilians just two points from top spot and in a position where a victory will push them into pole position.

Chiefs claimed a third straight win and established themselves at the top of the league log with a 2-0 home win over Golden Arrows on Tuesday, October 1. A penalty from Daniel Cardoso and own goal by Nkosinathi Sibisi saw the Amakhosi claim the victory and move to 19 points from eight matches.

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Chiefs have met in 68 league matches since 1985. The Amakhosi have claimed 27 wins compared to 21 for the Brazilians, while 20 matches have been drawn. The Tshwane side has won 15 of their 34 home matches in the rivalry, suffering 10 defeats in the process.

Last season Sundowns took four points off Chiefs, drawing 1-1 in Tshwane in August 2018 before claiming a 2-1 away win in Soweto in January 2019, thanks to goals from Anthony Laffor and Lebohang Maboe.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 1-0 win over Highlands on October 23: Mweene, Ngcongca (Lakay 86’), Madisha, Lebusa, Langerman, Jali, Kekana (Mkhulise 81’), Morena, Sirino, Zwane, Maboe (Affonso 66’).

Chiefs’ line-up from their 2-0 win over Arrows on October 1: Akpeyi, Sasman (Ngezana 46’), Mathoho, Cardoso, Blom (Gordinho 81’), Parker, Baccus (Zuma 72’), Katsande, Manyama, Billiat, Kambole.