Latest news with #CAFChampionsLeague
The South African
an hour ago
- Sport
- The South African
'Mayele will score against Sundowns' – Khanye makes CAF CL final prediction
Former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Junior Khanye has predicted Mamelodi Sundowns to lose the CAF Champions League final to Pyramids on Sunday. The two teams play in the second leg of the final on Sunday evening after the first leg ended 0-0 in Pretoria last weekend. Masandawana need to win or force a scoring draw to win their first CAF CL title in nine years. This is the third time the Brazilians have managed to reach the final of the competition. Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye felt Sundowns were less confident going into the final 'Sundowns were supposed to win here (at home), so going away is not going to be easy. As I said when the Champions League started, Sundowns will never win it. They have quality players and they are a quality team but going to the game, they don't have the confidence to win away,' he said. 'Personally, I don't think they will trouble Pyramids. They will have their moment, but their coach…' The former winger said the match will likely finish 0-0 after extra time or end with Pyramids winning. 'I see the game finishing 0-0 or it will end 2-1. Sundowns will probably score but won't win the game. Mayele is going to score tomorrow, he will score the winning goal.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Five key players that can guide Mamelodi Sundowns to their Champions League dream
LUCAS Ribeiro leads the list of match winners for the Mamelodi Sundowns side that need to make sure to score in the Caf Champions League semi-final. | BackpagePix Image: BACKPAGEPIX Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for what could be the most defining match in the club's illustrious history as they travel to Cairo to face Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Stadium (kick-off 7pm). With the tie finely balanced following a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last week, the Brazilians know the stakes couldn't be higher. Now needing to take the initiative away from home, head coach Miguel Cardoso will be leaning on several of his top performers to deliver when it matters most. Below, we highlight five pivotal players who has the mettle to lead Sundowns to their second CAF Champions League triumph. Grant Kekana ISITOBHA seMamelodi Sundowns, uGrant Kekana, sibalwa nabadlali leli qembu elizothembela kubona ukuqhubeka nokwenza kahle emqhudelwaneni iCaf Champions League Image: BACKPAGEPIX Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ A key figure in Sundowns' defensive unit, Kekana has been instrumental in both their domestic success and their progression to the Champions League final. The experienced center-back has displayed consistency and leadership throughout the campaign, but he will now face one of the sternest examinations of his career. Although Sundowns managed to win the majority of aerial duels in the first leg, they were undone by a single cross that found its way past the defense, resulting in a crucial away goal for Pyramids. With the Egyptian side known for their reliance on wide play and dangerous deliveries into the box, Kekana's positional awareness and command in the air will be vital in neutralising that threat. Iqraam Rayners MAMELODI Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners looking to add his name in Caf Champions League history. | BackpagePix Image: backpagePix Iqraam Rayners has been in impressive form in recent games, and his relentless desire to find the back of the net could exactly be the spark the visitors need to regain control in this high-stakes encounter. The Bafana Bafana forward has netted three goals in his last 10 outings, and with his team in a must-score situation to keep their Champions League dream alive, it will be essential for him to deliver one of his sharpest performances yet. Musa Lebusa UMusa Lebusa uthi iMamelodi Sundowns ikulungele ukuqubisana nePyramids emdlalweni weCAF Champions League emalanga ngoMgqibelo, eLoftus Stadium. Image: Facebook Musa Lebusa may not always get the headlines, but his contribution at the back has been invaluable for the Brazilians. A dependable and composed defender, his center-back partnership with Kekana has formed a solid foundation that nearly earned them a first-leg win— with only four minutes of added time separating them from carrying an advantage to Egypt. Now, with Pyramids' dangermen Fiston Mayele and first-leg goalscorer Walid El Karti set to be on full-on attack, Lebusa's task will be to maintain composure and execute with precision and help guide his side to as little goals as possible. Lucas Ribeiro Costa Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Golden Boot winner in the Betway Premiership and by a mile Sundowns' standout player this season, Lucas Ribeiro Costa has consistently delivered in key moments. His ability to rise to the occasion has been a driving force behind the team's league success, and Cardoso will be counting on him to produce a similar spark on Sunday. Costa's goal in the first leg has kept the tie alive, and with just 90 minutes separating Sundowns from making South African football history by becoming the first club to win the CAF Champions League twice, the spotlight will be firmly on him, and his creativity and finishing could very well be the difference. Jayden Adams UJayden Adams ngomnye wabadlali eza kuthembela kubo iMamelodi Sundowns xa idibana neAl Ahly emdlalweni weCAF Champions League emalanga namhlanje ePitoli. Image: Backpagepix
IOL News
4 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns confident of returning the African crown back to Pretoria
Mamelodi Sundowns players greet the crowd with confidence in the camp high that they will find a way past Pyramids in the second leg of the Caf Champions League in Cairo. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Mamelodi Sundowns' camp is high on confidence that they'll be crowned the 'Kings of African Football' when the final whistle goes in Cairo. Sundowns will face Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final second leg at 30 June Stadium on Sunday night (7pm kick-off). They are on a bit of a backfoot as Pyramids scored in the 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria, resulting in the Pharaohs taking home an away goal advantage. But Sundowns have ample confidence that they can turn the tide in the second leg as the draw at home last weekend was due to their own doing. Speaking to Mamelodi Sundowns TV on 'Road to the Final of Finals: Episode 9', midfielder Teboho Mokoena reflected on what went wrong for them at home a week ago. 'I am sure that we'll pitch up and do our best, and lift the trophy,' Mokoena beamed with positivity, before going down memory. 'I don't think Pyramids played against the Sundowns that we know last Saturday (back in Pretoria). 'I think we were nervous, we were not free. Of course, in the second half we came back better, but in the last minute we lost concentration and conceded. 'It was very tough, and sad. We thought we had the game. But it didn't go the way we planned. 'One thing for sure, if we had to decide to take a team that has lost or through the game that must win (the next game) should be Sundowns.'
The South African
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates latest transfer news: Mbokazi, Nemtajela, Matuludi
Orlando Pirates are set to go big in the next transfer window as they look to beef up their squad. The Buccaneers had an average season despite a promising start. After winning two trophies in the past two seasons, Pirates finished with just the MTN8 to show after losing out in the Nedbank Cup final. The Sea Robbers' biggest disappointment was their inconsistency in the league, which allowed Mamelodi Sundowns to run away with the title. The team, however, reached the semi-final of the CAF Champions League, but a poor showing in the second leg against Pyramids saw the Soweto giants crash out. Now, Orlando Pirates have no choice but to bring more players as the transfer window opens. One player the club has signed is Marumo Gallants star Masindi Nemtajela. 'You know, Masindi [Nemtajela] is a very great professional. We are happy for him and wish him good luck in his new endeavour,' Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou told FARPost . 'He and his family should be proud, and we, as coaches, are proud as well. Now, he is going to leave Bloemfontein for Orlando Pirates. It's a big club, and there will be a lot of competition. 'So, he has to be professional and keep working in order to continue improving himself,' added the Gallants coach. Another player, Pirates has been linked with Thabang Matuludi. The right-back is reportedly in talks with the Sea Robbers and could be on his way out of Polokwane City. The Buccaneers have already parted ways with Innocent Maela and Miguel Timm this week. With the transfer window opening soon, expect more Orlando Pirates players to exit as they look to make way for more players. The likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi are also linked to other clubs in Africa, but it's unlikely that the duo would leave for rival teams. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
It's now or never for Mamelodi Sundowns in CAF Champions League final
TOUGH BATTLE AHEAD Mamelodi Sundowns aim to secure their second CAF Champions League title by overcoming historical odds and drawing inspiration from Orlando Pirates' 1995 comeback. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media Having conceded an away goal in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final, Mamelodi Sundowns will face an uphill battle in the return leg against Pyramids FC in Cairo on Sunday. Last week, Sundowns drew the first leg 1-1 at home at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Now, they will travel to Cairo, knowing only a win or a 2-2 draw will secure their title. Sundowns will hope to emulate the Pirates side of 1995, thanks to the challenging scoreline. In the four two-legged finals involving a South African club that lost the first leg at home, only once has a comeback been pulled off. That, of course, happened 30 years ago when Pirates drew 2-2 at home and then defeated ASEC Mimosa 1-0 away in the return leg.
