Sundowns, Pirates switch focus to Caf CL

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Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will be looking to take a step towards qualification for the Caf Champions League knockout stages when they do battle in the group stages on Tuesday.

Sundowns, who currently top Group A on six points alongside Wydad Casablanca, will be looking to put themselves in a strong position with a second win against the Ivorian side, who they beat 3-1 at Loftus Versfeld at the beginning of February.

Downs will, however, be wary of their opponent’s home record which has seen them win their last five games at home in all competitions.

A win for Downs will see them move to nine points and take a massive step towards qualification, while a loss would see ASEC draw level on points with the Brazilians. Wydad host Lobi Stars looking to also move on to 9 points, where an unlikeley win for the Nigerian side would also see them move on to 6 points.

The game is scheduled for 6pm kick-off South African time and will be broadcast live on SuperSport 4.

Pirates, on the other hand, will face the reigning Caf Champions League winners Esperance in Tunisia.

Both sides sit level at the top of Group B with 5 points after two draws and a win each.

The last draw came at the Orlando Stadium in the first week of February as Pirates were held to a 0-0 score line by Esperance, who will now be looking to take advantage of their home ground to take a step towards qualification.

The game in Tunisia, however, will be played behind closed doors. With third-placed Horoay, who have four points, looking to beat Platinum FC at home, the pressure is on the Buccaneers to get a result to keep their future in the competition in their own hands.

The game is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off and will be broadcast live on SuperSport 4.

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Dean Workman