Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly Prediction and Betting Tips on April 19, 2025
Game Prediction
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Al Ahly at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on April 19, 2025, in the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg at 15:00 GMT. The hosts are riding high after a dominant domestic campaign, while the Egyptian giants aim to leverage their continental pedigree to secure an advantage in this crucial tie.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly Key Stats & Trends
Mamelodi Sundowns won 2 of their last 5 games.
The Brazilians average 0.8 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per game.
Sundowns have won 80% of their last 5 home games.
Al Ahly have won3 of their last 5 games.
The Red Devils average 1.0 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per game.
Al Ahly have won 3 of their last 5 away games.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly Recent Form
Mamelodi Sundowns are in scintillating form, leading the South African Premier Soccer League with 58 points from 23 matches. In the CAF Champions League, Sundowns qualified as Group B runners-up, displaying a potent attack and a robust defense. The Brazilians are determined to overturn their historical struggles against Al Ahly in knockout stages and secure a strong first-leg result at home.
Al Ahly, the reigning CAF Champions League champions, are a formidable force in African football. They booked their semi-final spot as Group D winners, showcasing their attacking flair and defensive solidity. Despite a shock group-stage loss to Orlando Pirates, Al Ahly’s experience in high-stakes matches makes them a dangerous opponent. They aim to maintain their edge in this rivalry and take a lead back to Cairo for the second leg.
Form
Mamelodi Sundowns: L-W-W-D-L
Al Ahly: W-L-W-W-D
Head-to-Head
In their last five encounters, Mamelodi Sundowns run the race with three victories over Al Ahly, while two games ended in a stalemate between both sides.
Predicted Line-ups
Mamelodi Sundowns possible line-up: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Zwane, Adams, Shalulile, Ribeiro
Al Ahly possible line-up: El Shenawy, Hany, Benoun, Abdelmonem, Maaloul, Attia, Dieng, Ashour, Bencharki, Ali, Ashour.
Sundowns vs Al Ahly Pre-game Odds & Win Probability
Bookmakers slightly favor Mamelodi Sundowns due to their formidable home record, valuingtheir winning chances at 43% with odds of 2.12. A draw is priced at 2.9 (32%), reflecting the competitive nature of this fixture, while an Al Ahly victory stands at 3.66, giving them a 25% implied probability.
Correct Score Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Al Ahly
Given both teams’ defensive solidity and attacking prowess, a tightly contested draw is likely. Sundowns’ home advantage may be offset by Al Ahly’s experience in knockout ties, with both sides capable of finding the net but unlikely to concede multiple goals.
Players to Watch: Shalulile – Ashour
Peter Shalulile is Mamelodi Sundowns’ talisman, with 3 goals in 10 CAF Champions League apearances this season. The Namibian striker’s pace and clinical finishing make him a constant threat, and he’ll look to exploit any gaps in Al Ahly’s backline.
On the other hand, Emam Ahour is Al Ahly’s danger man, known for his flair and ability to deliver in clutch moments. With 5 goals and 1 assist in 9 matches in the competition, the forward’s movement and finishing will test Sundowns’ defense, especially in transition.
Expert Tip: Draw & Under 2.5 Goals
Considering the historical closeness of this fixture, with 3 of the last 5 head-to-heads ending in draws, and both teams’ strong defensive records, a low-scoring stalemate is a prudent bet. The market for a draw combined with under 2.5 goals offers value at 1.5, making it an attractive option for this semi-final clash.