Mamelodi Sundowns – Enyimba: Peoples Elephants look to bounce back in must-win match

goal.com

The Nigerian champions will seek to make amends for their Zamalek horror show when they face the Brazilians in their march for a third continental crown. Enyimba can ill-afford a slip-up against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday as they chase a spot in the Caf Champions League semi-final.

The Nigerians began their group stage campaign on a losing note following a 1-0 defeat to Zamalek in Port Harcourt. While the setback is far from ruinous, they face a tough task at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium against a Sundowns side who are in fine form.

However, the hosts will be keen to make an impression after finding themselves in the unfamiliar position with their win against ES Setif counting for nothing following Caf’s decision to sack the Algerian team from the championship.

Wednesday's meeting is the first-ever between the two sides, though Enyimba have faced South African opposition on four occasions in the past – winning once, losing once and drawing the rest.

And midfielder Bartholomew Ibengbu insists his team is fully focused on the task at hand as they look to boost their chances of a semi-final ticket.

“The game against Mamelodi Sundowns is not all about physical preparation but our state of mind,” Ibenegbu told Goal.

“We have to believe that we can get the result in South Africa and then go all out to get a win to boost our chances of qualifying for the next round of the competition.”

Though, coach Pitso Mosimane is watchful about the Peoples Elephants threat, he is upbeat about his side chances of achieving the desire result.

“We have learnt that in the Champions League, you must never concede at home, especially in knockout stages. That’s the lesson we learnt rather than complaining that we lost three points,” Mosimane told media.

 “They [Enyimba] have got good attack. You know Nigerians, they are gladiators.

“They have a very aggressive mentality. We know what tackles we are going to get. We should also know that on set-pieces, they are strong.

The hosts will be without former captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele who joined rivals Kaizer Chief, but would be banking on Tiyani Mabunda and Khama Billiat to get the needed result.