Mamelodi Sundowns will look to register only their third-ever victory over Cape Town City when the two sides do duty in the first-leg of the MTN8 semi-final clash at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Benni McCarthy’s side booked their spot in the last four of the MTN8, after seeing off Maritzburg United away from home in a hard-fought 1-0 victory, courtesy of new signing Keanu Cupido’s goal.

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Pitso Mosimane’s charges enjoyed an easier route to the semi’s, easing past Golden Arrows with goals courtesy of Sibusiso Vilakazi and Wayne Arendse.

Both sides, are, however on the back of points dropped in the Absa Premiership with Sundowns being held to a 0-0 draw against Highlands Park, in a clash which saw defender Ricardo Nascimento sent off.

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Despite having home advantage, the Citizens were also held to a goalless draw against Arrows in their most recent league clash.

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These two sides are no strangers to each other having done battle three times during the 2017-18 campaign, with City achieving a unique double over Masandawana, while Sundowns’ only victory against the Cape Town side came in their Nedbank Cup clash over three months ago.

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Mosimane’s side will be buoyed by the fact that they secured that victory in City’s backyard – a feat they will be looking to repeat this weekend.

McCarthy stressed the need for his side to get a positive result in the first-leg at home.

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‘It’s our home game, so we have to give ourselves a good enough chance ahead of the return leg to give ourselves a fighting chance,’ McCarthy told media at a press conference.

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‘We can’t concede, and if we can go there with a goal or two, it makes the second half much, much easier. They’ve got the personnel to field two or three different teams and still do well, but we’ll be waiting. I want to put the game to bed at home, because Sundowns with their fans at home are a different animal,’ he concluded.

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The home side will be without the services of injured duo Surprise Ralani and Siphelele Mthembu, while influential midfieler Teko Modise is likely to get a starting-berth after being an unused substitute in his side’ clash with Arrows.

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City and Sundowns clash at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday with kickoff set for 3pm.

Photo: Gallo Images