Galaxy, GU gold-hunt in South Africa
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday September 29, 2023 11:04
Local champions, Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United (GU) are away in South Africa for the second leg matches of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup respectively.
Galaxy are at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto where Orlando Pirates await in the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round match. GU take on SuperSport United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.
Local fans will be oozing with confidence as they make the short trip south as both sides are in a good position to advance to the group stages of the two competitions.
Galaxy carry a 1-0 lead against Pirates and the league champions became the first team to beat the Soweto giants in a cup competition since the arrival of Spanish coach, Jose Riviero. GU are level with SuperSport at 1-1 but the South Africans have a slight advantage due to the away goal rule. The two local sides will need away wins to advance to the next round of the competitions. The Reds are the last local team to bag an away win in South Africa and will be looking for the same fortunes against SuperSport United.
Pirates vs Galaxy
Team News Galaxy’s Morena Ramoreboli has outlined tactical changes for the away time. He said at home his side were trying to be comfortable on the ball and build from the back but is aware they would not be afforded the space to play away. Galaxy have not reported any injuries or suspensions in the team. Namibian top forward, Wendell Rudath could make his first start of the competition after he returned from injury in the first leg. Riviero has promised a fully-fledged Pirates side after taking fringe players to the first leg in Gaborone a fortnight ago. The Buccaneers have welcomed back several key players from injury including industrious midfielder, Thembinkosi Lorch and forward, Vincent Pule.
Permutations Galaxy will need to avoid conceding to advance. A win will do for Galaxy while also any draw will see the team progress. A defeat of more than a goal margin will dump Galaxy out of the competition.
Previous encounters This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides in the CAF inter-club competitions. Galaxy has won once while Pirates have won two times in the teams’ first three meetings. Galaxy lost 1-0 the last time they visited Pirates at the Orlando Stadium.
What you need to know Venue: Orlando Stadium Ticket Prices: R50 Venue Capacity: 37,000 Projected weather conditions: Sunny with temperatures at a maximum of 26 Celsius. Ten percent chances of rain. Humidity is at 44% and wind to blow at 18km/h. Gate open: 12noon Kick-off: 7.30pm
SuperSport vs GU
Team news Liberian midfielder, Sheikh Sesay could be handed his first start after capping his debut with a goal against SuperSport in the first leg. The Reds are assessing Molaodi Tlhalefang’s injury after he was stretchered off in the previous game. GU will welcome back reliable defender, Kennedy Amutenya who sat out the first leg due to suspension. SuperSport’s Gavin Hunt is expected to ring the changes with several first-team players expected to play a role today. Hunt has said GU will face a different side from the team that played in Gaborone.
Permutations A 0-0 draw will see GU out of the competition while a 1-1 draw will take the game to extra time and eventually penalty kicks. A draw of more than one goal will dump Supersport out of the competition.
What you need to know Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium Ticket Prices: R40 Venue Capacity: 46,000 Projected Weather conditions: Partly sunny with temperatures at a maximum of 27 degrees Celsius. Ten percent chances of rain. Humidity is at 53% and wind to blow at 13km/h. Gate open: 12noon Kick-off: 7pm