Downs up for Cairo countdown

Zamalek and Mamelodi Sundowns meet in Cairo knowing that victory for either will guarantee a spot in the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League.

Johannesburg - Tied on three points after both beat Nigeria’s Enyimba, Zamalek and Mamelodi Sundowns meet in Cairo on Sunday (7.30pm SA time) knowing that victory for either will guarantee a spot in the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League.

The unique situation in the three-team Group B following the expulsion of Algeria’s ES Setif as punishment for crowd violence at their match against Sundowns has made progression from the group phase a little easier for the contestants.

And with both the South African champions and the Egyptian giants having been victorious against Enyimba, it is very likely that both sides will go through.What is at stake then is the prized top position that could ensure a relatively easier semi-final clash against the second-placed side from Group A.

With Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca seemingly running away with that group, a clash with Cote d’Ivoire’s Asec Mimosas or even Zesco United of Zambia might be a better proposition.

And it is for this reason Sundowns will be hard-pressed to get something out of their clash with the White Knights.While he made it clear his team will look to grab maximum points, coach Pitso Mosimane will welcome a draw in Cairo in the knowledge that his team will have the beating of the five-time continental champions at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in the return leg.

And having already won in north Africa following their defeat of Setif before the result was declared null and void, Sundowns left the country confident they could upset Zamalek.

Yet for them to emulate Orlando Pirates, who beat Zamalek 2-1 in their own backyard three years ago, the Brazilians will need the likes of Khama Billiat and Hlompho Kekana to be on fire.It makes for a fascinating clash, what with Sundowns not only having to overcome Zamalek on the pitch but to switch off from the distraction of noisy fans in that part of the continent.

Mosimane has expressed confidence that his team will be able to deal with the hostility they are sure to face, the Sundowns coach saying their many trips on the continent over the past years has helped them develop thick skins.

It is far from being a do-or-die affair, but the lure of topping the group and securing qualification with two matches to go is appetising enough a carrot for Sundowns to play out of their skins on Sunday.

Saturday Star