Mamelodi Sundowns will get their CAF Champions League group stage campaign underway when they host Al-Hilal Omdurman on Friday evening.
Teams: Mamelodi Sundowns v Al-Hilal
Date: 11 February 2022
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Time: 18h00
The Brazilians had to settle for Royal Bafokeng Stadium after their home venues, Lucas Moripe Stadium, Loftus Versfeld Stadium and alternative home venues ABSA Tuks Stadium did not meet the new venue compliance regulations by CAF.
Sundowns booked their spot in the group stages after beating Maniema Union of the Democratic Republic of Congo 4-2 on aggregate in the second preliminary round.
The Tshwane giants have already played two matches within three days since returning to action, after thrashing second-tier side Richards Bay 4-0 in the Nedbank Cup last 32 and beat Chippa United 2-0 in the league on Monday.
Al-Hilal, in contrast, have not played any competitive game since October last year after booking their spot in the group stages with a 2-1 aggregate win over Rivers United of Nigeria in the second preliminary round.
The Sudan Premier League was in recess and they re-started their 2022 campaign this week, although the Blue Wave are yet to play.
However, Al Hilal have a number of players who were at the Africa Cup of Nations with the Sudan national team and have also signed Abdul Ajagun from Cape Town City.
The sides met in last season's group phase, where Sundowns won the first game 2-0 and were held to a goalless draw in Omdurman in the reverse.
Sundowns: D.Onyango, Coetzee, De Reuck, B. Onyango, Lakay, Jali, Mudau, Sirino, Zwane, Safranko, Shalulile.
Subs: Mweene, Lunga, Modiba, Mokoena, Morena, Ralani, Kutumela, Mvala, Saavedra.
