Mamelodi Sundowns v Al Ahly April 2019Backpagepix

What to expect from the second-leg clash between Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns will travel to Egypt looking to finish what they started in Tshwane last weekend.

The Brazilians will carry a huge 5-0 aggregate lead into Saturday's Caf Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against Al Ahly.

A draw or defeat by no more than four-goals will be enough to send Sundowns into the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament.

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Goal takes a look at what you should expect from the much-anticipated match:


Hostile atmosphere


Al Ahly fans
It is well-known that a hostile atmosphere awaits Sundowns in Egypt as North African clubs tend to be hostile and bullish towards visiting teams in continental competitions.

North African fans wielding laser torches and flares are likely to make it miserable for Sundowns players and officials through their intimidating tactics prior to and during the match.

If things are not going their way in the field of play,  football-obsessed Egyptian fans sometimes go as far as throwing red-hot flares on the pitch during a game.

Al Ahly onslaught


Walid Azarou

A full-on onslaught from the Red Devils is expected as the most decorated club in the history of the Champions League look to overturn an embarrassing 5-0 deficit.

The Cairo giants will look for an early goal which could unsettle the visitors' defence and hope that it sets up a one-sided encounter in favour of the hosts.

Prolific Moroccan striker Walid Azarou, who came on as a substitute in the first-leg clash, is expected to start having netted during Al Ahly's 2-1 win over Misr Lel Makasa in an Egyptian Premier League match in midweek.


Cautious Approach


Phakamani Mahlambi, Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2018

Pitso Mosimane has made it clear that Sundowns will adopt a cautious approach and try to play on the counter with Al Ahly expected to attack from the first whistle.

The Brazilians will rely on speedy players such as Thapelo Morena, Phakamani Mahlambi and Lebohang Maboe, who are capable of scoring from the break.

Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana will be key in the middle of the park once again as he controls the flow of the game in midfield.


Mindgames 


Pitso Mosimane, Sundowns, February 2019Backpagepix
The match was initially scheduled to be played at the Egyptian Military Stadium, but it will now take place at the Borg El Arab Stadium which is 244 kilometres from the Cairo International Airport.

This is despite Caf rules stipulating that the stadium for a match has to be 200 kilometres from the airport.

It is merely a tactic that is meant to ensure that Sundowns suffer physically as they have to travel a long distance after arriving in Egypt and having to also change the hotel and training facility.

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