Remo Stars vs Mamelodi Sundowns preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

In arguably the most mouth-watering fixture of the CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round, Nigerian champions Remo Stars will clash with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

This first-ever meeting serves as the final two-legged hurdle to the lucrative group stage, pitting the youthful ambition of the Nigerian side against the seasoned pedigree of the South African powerhouse.

Remo Stars, who progressed with a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory in the opening round, will need their renowned home form to secure a crucial advantage.

This clash is a decisive moment for Remo Stars' continental quest, representing their most difficult test yet against a team that reached the semi-finals of the competition last season.

Coach Daniel Ogunmodede and his 'Sky Blues' must quickly rebound from a painful domestic defeat to Katsina United in the NPFL.

Crucially, Remo Stars have been impeccable at home, including their 4-0 thrashing of US Zilimadjou in the previous CAF round. Their key challenge will be translating their offensive power against a team with a notoriously tight defence.

For Mamelodi Sundowns, this tie marks their entry into the competition, following a first-round bye. While they are a dominant force domestically, their recent elimination from the League Cup shows they are not without fault.

The 'Brazilians' average around 1.7 goals per game while conceding just 0.5, highlighting their tactical balance. Securing a positive result away from home is paramount to easing the pressure for the return leg in South Africa.

The tactical battle in midfield, and whether Remo can breach the organised Sundowns defensive line, will be central to the outcome.

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides, opening a new chapter in the continental rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, often dubbed the "Amapiano Derby."

Both clubs are desperate to gain an early psychological and scoreboard advantage to advance their group stage targets.

Both squads are relatively fit, though Mamelodi Sundowns are dealing with more notable absences. Influential playmaker Themba Zwane is expected to miss out due to a muscle issue that has sidelined him since before the international break.

Versatile attacker Thapelo Morena is also a doubt after picking up a minor muscle injury while away with the national team, potentially limiting his minutes. Defenders Grant Kekana and Zuko Mdunyelwa are also nursing minor issues but may be available.

For the hosts, key striker Victor Mbaoma could return to bolster the Remo Stars' attack after recovering from a rib injury.

Remo Stars XI (4-1-3-2): Obassa; Abubakar, Anthony, Ngenge, Chilekwu; ThankGod; Ibe, Adedayo, Oyowah; Goita, Ibrahmi

Mamelodi Sundowns XI (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Khoza, Cupido, Modiba; Allende, Aubaas; Sales, Santos, Matthews; Rayners

This West-versus-South continental fixture, dubbed the 'Amapiano Derby', is a pure test of ambition against continental experience.

Statistical trends point toward a low-scoring encounter, with 80% of both teams' recent respective home and away games finishing with Under 2.5 goals.

Remo Stars will be banking on their home ground atmosphere, especially with the club offering free entry, to make the difference.

Their phenomenal home record, coupled with the South African side's historical tendency to struggle for wins in Nigeria, tips the balance towards the hosts.

This will likely be a tightly contested match, with one goal proving sufficient, as the defensive records and recent results for both teams heavily suggest a low-scoring encounter.

• I predict a narrow 1-0 victory for Remo Stars.