CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns Aim for Victory Against Pyramids in Cairo Showdown

• Mamelodi Sundowns will take on Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League
• Group A has all four teams tied on four points each with three games to play
• TP Mazembe and Nouadhibou FC will square off in the other critical fixture

Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up for a crucial clash against Pyramids FC in Cairo as they strive to not only secure a spot in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals but also emerge as leaders in Group A.

The South African side will travel to Egypt to face the tournament's newcomers at Cairo's 30 June Stadium on Tuesday, December 19 (7pm Kenyan time).

With three matches remaining before the CAF CL knockout stage, Group A is evenly poised, with all four teams - including TP Mazembe from DR Congo and Nouadhibou FC from Mauritania - tied on four points each, with Sundowns leading on goal difference.

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Despite a win against Nouadhibou at home, a 1-0 defeat to TB Mazembe away, and a draw against Pyramids in their last fixture, Rulani Mokwena’s side has not displayed the dominance their fans have experienced in past Champions League group stage fixtures.

However, the Masandawana coach has stressed the team's desire to secure a quarter-final berth before their final group-stage game against Mazembe in March 2024.

"It's very important, but we know we have three games to go and in the three games, we've got enough to make sure we get a result. We are ready; we have done our homework and are excited to be here and make sure we win the match," Mokena said per Times Live.

Mokwena anticipates a different Pyramids team from the one that held them to a goalless draw in Pretoria on December 10. Despite this, he has expressed confidence in his team's preparation and readiness for the match.

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Meanwhile, Pyramids head coach, Jaime Pacheco looks to take his side's impressive performance in the tournament a notch higher by beating Sundowns - one of Africa's highest-rated clubs.

"We will enter the match to win, which will allow us to continue the journey of competing for the two qualifying tickets for this group with full force," Pacheco said as reported by Soccer Laduma.

Sundowns sign Esquivel in new deal

Sports Brief also previously reported that Sundowns are set to sign Argentine midfield ace, Matias Esquivel.

The South American star is said to have agreed on personal terms with the Brazilians for a four-year contract.

Contrary to reports from Argentina, the South African side are still believed to be negotiating the player's fee.