Mamelodi Sundowns FC turn their focus to the League Cup as they host Marumo Gallants in the Round of 16 on Tuesday evening. The match at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium kicks off at 19:00 local time.
Sundowns enter the knockout tie in strong domestic form, sitting first in the Premier Soccer League with 23 points from nine games. They are one point clear of Orlando Pirates and are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, a run that includes three wins and two draws. Their league record stands at seven wins and two draws from their nine fixtures, with a recent form of three wins and two draws. They have scored 23 goals and conceded only eight in the league this season, giving them a strong goal difference of plus fifteen.
Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw with Wiliete in the CAF Champions League last Thursday, where T. Matthews opened the scoring. Matthews is the club's top scorer this season with three goals in nine league appearances. Before that, they secured a convincing 4-1 away win at Richards Bay in the league and a 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in the 8 Cup. Their recent results also include a goalless draw away to Wiliete on 18 October and a 1-1 league draw with Chippa United on 12 September.
Their opponents, Marumo Gallants, are coming off a 2-1 away defeat to Sekhukhune United in the Premier Soccer League on 17 October. Gallants last lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with E. Lako in goal and a midfield featuring K. Ncube and N. Ndlondlo.
In their last league match against Richards Bay, Mamelodi Sundowns started with a 4-2-3-1 setup. Williams was in goal behind a back four of T. Matuludi, Malibongwe Khoza, K. Ndamane and F. Basadien. The midfield pivot featured T. Mokoena and M. Allende, with S. Mthanti, C. Mailula and T. Matthews supporting striker I. Rayners.
After this cup fixture, Sundowns' next assignment is a home league match against Durban City on 1 November. Durban City are currently tenth in the table, presenting an opportunity for the league leaders to extend their one-point advantage at the summit.
