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Mamelodi Sundowns face Petro de Luanda away, aiming to capitalize on their opponents' home advantage in a high-stakes showdown.
Petro de Luanda will host Mamelodi Sundowns in Luanda on Saturday evening as the Angolan champions look to make the most of their home ground advantage for a head start in the second quarter final match of the inaugural African Football League (AFL).
Petro de Luanda, riding a wave of confidence after their recent victories over Mozambican side UD Songo in the CAF Champions League, are determined to secure a crucial win on home soil to ease the pressure of the return leg.
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11:15 - 21.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Marjolen Nekesa's Slavia Prague lands in tough UEFA Women's Champions League group
Kenyan sensation Marjolen Nekesa's Slavia Prague faces challenging group stage with Lyon in UEFA Women's Champions League.
Alexandre Santos, the Ptero's head coach, is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to prepare his team for this prestigious tournament, starting with the opening clash against Sundowns.
"We are facing the best teams in Africa, and we have to be strong in every aspect and moments of the game. The small details will be very important because they can make a difference at this high level. But we will be ready to compete," he said.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, with Petro and Sundowns having met four times previously, and their head-to-head record evenly poised. Each team boasts a victory, while the remaining two matches ended in hard-fought draws.
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11:00 - 21.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars prospect destined to fill Abdoulaye Doucoure's boots at Everton
Young Everton midfielder with Kenyan roots is touted as Abdoulaye Doucoure's successor, showcasing promise during loan spells and in international football.
Their most recent showdown in April last year in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals saw them battle to a 1-1 draw in Pretoria, with Petro progressing to the semis after a 2-1 win in the first leg in Luanda. Their history suggests that every minute of this clash will be fiercely contested.
Sundowns, though coming off a defeat in the Carling Knockout tournament against TS Galaxy, have showcased their resilience.
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09:45 - 21.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu to lead Reims charge against resilient Toulouse
Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu strengthens Reims' resolve against Toulouse, setting the stage for a thrilling Ligue 1 clash in Toulouse.
Coach Rulani Mokwena's boys displayed immense character, clawing back from a 2-0 deficit to draw the game 2-2 with a last-gasp equalizer, despite eventually succumbing in the penalty shootout.
In a match brimming with talent, two standout players are set to take center stage. Petro's skipper, Tiago Azulao, has consistently been the team's talisman, both in league matches and continental games.
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09:15 - 21.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Kenyan midfielder Alwyn Tera on target as Ararat Armenia share points with Pyunik
The Kenyan international scored an amazing goal as Ararat Armenia held their nerve to hold league leaders Pyunik away on Friday afternoon.
The veteran Brazilian possesses not only a clinical scoring touch but also invaluable leadership qualities on and off the pitch. Azulao's scoring prowess was evident in the previous encounters with Sundowns, as he found the back of the net in both home and away legs.
Sundowns will look to their prolific forward Themba Zwane, affectionately known as Mshishi, to unlock a challenging away fixture. The South African international has a history of rising to the occasion in tough matches and is expected to be a key figure for Sundowns on this demanding trip.
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13:00 - 21.10.2023
FOOTBALL Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold narrowly escapes death in dramatic pylon crash
The power line, which weighs half a ton, careened down on top of the other vehicle at the scene with the Liverpool right back fortunately escaping the incident unhurt.
Despite Kenyan defender Brian Mandela appearing as a substitute in the 116th minute of the Carling Knockout tournament, he is anticipated to feature prominently for Sundowns in their upcoming clash against Petro de Luanda. Mandela's late appearance did not allow him sufficient time to exert his influence on the game before the penalty shootout.
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