Mamelodi Sundowns are giving themselves a fighting chance to compete against German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund, with a win set to see them prolonging their stay in the USA.
The Brazilians are top of Group F in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage after a 1-0 win over South Korean side Ulsan HD on matchday one.
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The victory puts them in pole position for progression into the Last 16, but standing before them is arguably their toughest opponent yet, in the form of German champions and UEFA Champions League winners Borussia Dortmund.
The two sides will do battle at the QTL Stadium in Ohio on Saturday, with Dortmund the overwhelming favourites.
But last season's CAF Champions League finalists are ready for a fight.
"Yes, we might be underdogs, but where we come from, people know who Mamelodi Sundowns are, and they know what’s going on when you meet Mamelodi Sundowns," said Divine Lunga earlier this week.
In the event of an upset, Sundowns will book their place in the Last 16 before meeting Brazilian giants Fluminense, who earned a credible draw against Dortmund in their opening match.
It is a match where the Germans will consider themselves lucky to have walked away with a point from with the hard-running Fluminense creating chance after chance.
Post-match, Dortmund manager Niko Kovac alluded to the humidity factor and conceded it was 'a lucky point' for his charges.
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Having survived that scare, they will be determined to get their first win in the competition, although it must be noted hot and humid conditions have been forecast in the area for this weekend. And whether Sundowns will pounce on that as an advantage remains to be seen.
Kick-off is at 18:00 SA time.
Photo: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
