Aces look to break Downs curse

Photo credit: www.diskifans.com


According to SuperSport news online, Mpumalanga Black Aces will need to break a 22 year curse away to Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Wednesday evening, if they are to keep their Absa Premiership title chances alive.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm.

The Brazilians have not lost a home league match to their title rivals since 1994 and having yet to taste defeat on home soil this season, 'Downs will be confident of extending their streak.

Pitso Mosimane's men saw their six game winning run come to an end with a goalless draw against Golden Arrows this past weekend, but a 16-game unbeaten run still see's them top the standings by eight points - 10 points better off than Aces with 10 rounds remaining.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was quoted saying:

"It’s a big game because Aces are close to us,” said Mosimane who is eager for his side to enhance their gap atop the standings.

"If we win the game, it gives us a little bit of space, a breather if you know what I am trying to say.”

"The Aces game is very important - as long as they don’t get more points than us, it’s okay. Sometimes you mustn't worry that you need win, we have won enough not to complain ... we have won enough, we have done very well.”

Despite their 3-1 loss to Orlando Pirates last time out ,Muhsin Ertugral, remains upbeat and believes a win in midweek will keep their hopes of a first Absa Premiership title alive.

Muhsin Ertugral was quoted saying:

"If Sundowns lose against us the race will be open,” the AmaZayoni boss said.

“Kaizer Chiefs are playing fantastic football: the way they played against SuperSport United was great. We are all playing each other in the top five so anything can still happen.

“I don’t see a one-horse race. Sundowns have to play Chicken Inn FC and SuperSport and they play us in between, so it’s a tough challenge.

Ertugral admits the loss to Pirates was their worst display of the season: "We did very well until now, but the game against Pirates was the worst game we had."

In head-to-head stats, Aces and Sundowns have met in 34 league matches since 1985.

The Brazilians have 23 wins compared to six for AmaZayoni, while five matches have been drawn.

Sundowns have won 14 of their 17 home matches against Aces, suffering two defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, AmaZayoni claimed a 1-0 home win thanks to a goal from Eddie Ngalo; who is suspended for the upcoming clash.