Mamelodi Sundowns gear up to face Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger in pivotal Champions League clash

Miguel Cardoso's team haven't been at their all conquering best this season and are currently trailing Betway Premiership leader Orlando Pirates by three points at the half-way stage of the season.

They also find themselves in third place in their continental group, two points behind leaders Al-Hilal and one adrift of MC Alger, with one game to play.

The two sides played to a goalless draw in their first group clash in November, but the added significance of this clash, coupled with the news that Brazilians analyst Mario Masha was suspended for alledgedly sharing information with former Sundowns head coach Mokwena, has added a whole new dimension to the tie.

There is also pressure on manager Cardoso's who's future may well be tied to the outcome of this encounter.

Speaking ahead of the game, Cardoso said on SuperSport: "We have a match to play that we will always have to play to win because we don't play to draw. Who plays to draw usually loses or finds himself in a situation where he can lose.

"We already played against MC Alger and obviously, that will be a difficult match, but difficult tasks are for strong people," he said.

Mokwena has since denied the allegations and refused to comment on the game after leading his side to a 2-1 victory Al Hilal last week to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

He said after the game: "I will not say anything about the next match. There are people waiting for a comment so I will say nothing about the next match."

Mokwena's team are currently top of the Algeria Ligue 1 with 36 points, seven clear of second-placed CS Constantine, with three games in hand.