Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR Predictions - BTTS Yes as Brazilians Win First Leg

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 4 hours ago

John Eastwood 4 hours ago

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Sundowns predicted to win, but both teams likely to score (BTTS Yes).
Both group matches ended 1-1; teams are evenly matched.
AS FAR in strong form (1 loss in 21); Sundowns weakened in defence.

Mamelodi Sundowns to win CAF Champions League final first leg on Sunday (Getty Images).

Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR Predictions

A close match awaits in Tshwane. I see Sundowns winning with BTTS Yes as the hosts are weakened in defence.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR Predictions
Key Stats – Sundowns to Edge First Leg
Head to Head – Two Previous Draws
Just Three Wins in Seven - Sundowns Aiming to End Long CAF Wait
FAR Rabat Form – One Loss in 21 Matches
Predicted Lineups & Team News

Key Stats – Sundowns to Edge First Leg

Mamelodi Sundowns have seen BTTS Yes in their last 3 matches.
Mamelodi Sundowns have won their last 3 home CAF matches.
AS FAR have lost 2 of their last 5 away CAF matches.
AS FAR have seen BTTS Yes in 4 of their last 5 matches.

Head to Head – Two Previous Draws

These clubs met for the first time this season.

Both Group Stage matches finished in 1-1 draws.

Just Three Wins in Seven - Sundowns Aiming to End Long CAF Wait

Sundowns are looking to win their first CAF Champions League crown in 10 years. After dropping points in four of their last seven PSL matches, their hopes of retaining the league title are all but gone.

After successive league draws, they beat Polokwane City twice in four days: 1-0 away and 3-0 at home. A 1-1 home draw with Kaizer Chiefs meant the title race was no longer in their hands.

Downs smashed Siwelele 7-4 before a shock defeat in midweek. A 3-2 loss at TS Galaxy saw Sundowns allow 2.80 xG despite having 77% possession.

FAR Rabat Form – One Loss in 21 Matches

AS FAR Rabat sit second in the Moroccan Botola Pro. They’re a point off the summit with ten rounds of action left to play.

They reached the CAF Champions League final after beating RSB Berkane 2-1 on aggregate. They won 2-0 at home and lost 1-0 away in the second leg.

They have since played six league matches in 19 days with three wins and three draws. A 1-1 home draw vs Safi, they won 3-2 away at Agadir last Sunday.

Predicted Lineups & Team News

Mamelodi Sundowns (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Johannes, Ndamane, Modiba; Mokoena, Adams; Morena, Santos, Matthews; Brayan Leon.

Coach Miguel Cardoso is without suspended centre back Grant Kekana. Keanu Cupido has a small chance of being fit to start in the heart of defence.

Thapelo Morena will need a late fitness test to determine his involvement on the wing. Jayden Adams and Khuliso Mudau are available after serving domestic suspensions.

AS FAR (4-2-3-1): Tagnaouti; El Abd, Khassou, Abdelhamid, Ech-Chemmakh; Ouarkhane, Mbemba; El Khfiyef, Hadraf, Slim; Bouriga.

Goalkeeper Ayoub El Khayati is a major doubt for this match. Central midfielder Zine Derrag will play no part.

Coach Alexandre Santos has no other major injuries or suspensions for this first leg.