Both teams have won one match and drawn once in their opening group stage matches with Masandawana pipping Al Hilal due to a superior goal difference.

Historically, Sundowns have dominated matches against the The Blue Wave, having met on eight previous occassions in the tournament, winning five times, drawing twice and losing only once in a preliminary round match in 2008.

Al Hilal coach Laurențiu Reghecampf has expressed his desire to maintain a winning spirit in their camp in their push for a second successive qualification to the knockout stages.

"It is a key group stage match where we want to continue our momentum against a strong Sundowns side," said Reghecampf to Times Sport.

"I know Mamelodi Sundowns quite well and how they play. I understand their style of football, and the good thing is that we have been playing in the Rwandan league, which is also fast improving and has given us a challenge. So, we will be ready for the game."

Meanwhile Ka Bo Yellow head coach Cardoso feels his team has the capabilities to gain victory against the visiting side despite them showing promising signs in their CAF campaign.

"We expect them to be at the level they've shown in the competition," said Cardoso at the pre-match press conference on Thursday at Loftus.

"They had a wonderful game against MC Alger. They were very competitive, but obviously, Mamelodi Sundowns are not MC Alger.

"The way we play is very different, so we expect a different game. We know what we have and what we are capable of doing. We know our responsibilities. Most importantly, we understand the pressure and the importance of what we have to do in this competition, as you may imagine," ended the Portuguese mentor.

Kick off for the clash is at 20h00.

Innocent Maela backs Orlando Pirates' readiness to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title