Arther Sales and Van Rooyen contesting for a ball, image: Orlando Pirates
(The Post News)- Clhoorkop based, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates set for the second leg encounter of the MTN-8 2025. The two clubs failed to set Wafa Wafa tone last weekend when they drawn 1-1 at Orlando Stadium.
MTN-8 second round will take place at Lucas Meripe Stadium in Attredgeville. The encounter is will kick-off at 15H00 with tickets being sold-out.
Sundowns has an advantage with an away game scored by Teboho Mokoena in the 36th minute of the game. However, Kamogelo Sebelebele managed to get Pirates back in the game in the 87th minute of the game.
Now, Sundowns stands a better chance to advance to the final. Only if they win home or keep the score as they are from Orlando.
Pirates will also have to up their game in order to advance to the next stage of the tournament. According,to the away goal rule, Buccaneers need to win the match with more than one goal.
A 1-1 draw in will not result into penalty shootout. Therefore, Pirates need to score first and match Sundowns. While a nil-nil draw gives Sundowns a pass to because of the away goal by Mokoena.
Looking at the two sides squad, Lucas Moripe Stadium lawn will suffer the. Pirates features stars like Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Thalente Mbatha on form.
Including the new signing of Sebelebele who has repeatedly showed his excellence as a right-wing and right-back. Sipho Mbule is also owning Pirates middle-field in the absence of Khehleni Makhaula, who is out on injury.
Mamelodi still have the likes of Marcelo Allende, “Tebza”Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Keanu Cupido, and the on form Arthur Sales. Both the clubs have good goalkeepers they count on, with Masandawana rely on Ronwen William. While Pirates trusts their short-stopper Sipho Chaine , who is their first choice goalie.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Themba “Mshishi” Zwane gonna miss the encounter. Costa has contract issues and Zwane injured at Orlando the last weekend.
Orlando Pirates will be without Deon Van Rooyen due to an injury occurred on Wednesday against Stellenbosch FC. Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed that Olisa Ndah is expected to return to the pitch after a long-term injury.
Ndah is training with Pirates as it prepares for the MTN-8 second leg encounter after a long-term injury rule-out. “Ndah is back, he is training… But he will not be available for the Subdowns game,” confirmed Abdeslam.
Pirates is wants to defend their MTN-8 Championship and hold the trophy for the forth time in row. On the other hand Masandawana want to count the cup after securing the league and coming as CAF runner-up.
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