Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates
Date: Thursday, 15th of April
Time: 18:00 SA Time
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
Two giants in South African football will face-off when Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns lock horns in the last Nedbank Cup quarterfinal. The highly-anticipated fixture is scheduled to take place at Loftus Versfeld on Thursday.
Sundowns, who are the current holders, defeated Polokwane City 4-0 en route to the quarter finals in Tshwane after edging Stellenbosch FC 3-2 in an exciting clash which required an extra 30 minutes for the winner to be decided.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates registered a tight 1-0 win over Uthongathi in the opening round, before their remarkable come-from-behind victory over Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium.
Form Guide
Pirates come into the clash on the back of a spirited 3-0 win at home to Ahli Benghazi in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday.
They have managed to put up an impressive run of form lately. A narrow derby defeat to Kaizer Chiefs is the only blemish on their results across their last 13 games in all competitions.
Sundowns also come off a rare defeat in their last home game, when they hosted Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League.
They have since steadied the ship and their latest outing saw them record a comeback 2-1 victory against Chippa United on Monday, a win that saw them stretch their domestic unbeaten run to 22 games.
Mamelodi Sundowns team news
Sundowns could be without four key players for this game. Kermit Erasmus has been out for the last seven games while Andre Jali suffered an injury while on international duty with Bafana Bafana.
Elsewhere, the duo of Gaston Sirino and Bangaly Soumahoro are doubts for the game.
Orlando Pirates team news
Pirates have it worse and could be without up to eight players. Innocent Maela, Thembinkosi Lorch and Terrence Dzvukamanja are expected to miss out while Thabang Monare, Richard Ofori, Zakhele Lepasa and Jean-Marc Makusu remain doubts.
Prediction
It promises to be an end-to-end game but Mamelodi Sundowns are perceived as slight favorites to win the game. Infact, Pirates boss Zinnbauer admits his side are underdogs ahead of this tie. He said: “Sundowns are the favourites in this game, they have the best team at this moment in the league and Caf Champions League as well. We know that we have a good squad and players that can win titles, but we are honest, we come up against a good team.”
Maybe not too much goals in this one but it is rather likely Sundowns will rule the day.