CAF Champions League: Sundowns battle Zesco today

Mamelodi Sundowns are out to upset Zambian side Zesco United in their CAF Champions League semi-final first leg clash at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola today. The match is billed to start at 3:30pm (Nigerian time).

The Brazilians have done exceptionally well in the continental showpiece and are close to claiming glory, but they first have to prove their worth in Zambia.

Should they succeed in the two-legged semi-final, the Brazilians will be making their second appearance in the Champions League final, having been beaten to the trophy by Al Ahly in the 2001 edition.

Although the two Southern African giants have previously met in the past season in friendly matches, the match is seen as a huge clash.

Ahead of the match, Pitso Mosimane’s men faced the likes of Enyimba and Zamalek in the group stages as they finished as Group B winners.

However, this is the first meeting of the two sides in a competitive match with both sides hoping to emerge victorious.

Speaking of today’s match, goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene said Zesco had quality players and would be a tough task.

“They have a lot of good players, especially up-front. They have Clatous Chama. He is a winger and they also have [Jesse] Were,” said Mweene.

“They are dangerous players. If we do not pay attention to them, they can hammer us. It will be tough, but we have done our homework.

“We are familiar with the conditions in Zambia. We have played there before [during pre-season last year] and we know the place properly.

“It’s not surprising because as you can see they have a good coach (George Lwandamina) who is working with both the club and the national team.”