Mamelodi Sundowns will play CR Belouizdad in the Caf Champions League quarterfinals, with the first leg encounter set to take place in Algeria on the 21st of April, before Downs host the Algerian log leaders on the 28th of April.
Downs head coach, Rulani Mokwena recently revealed to the media that they had already sent out their analysts out to the continent to gather some intelligence on their possible CAFCL opponents, meaning the Brazilians should already know what to expect from the Algerian outfit.
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But what exactly is CR Belouizdad capable of?
The Great Chabab, as Belouizdad are known back in Algeria, are currently log leaders in their domestic league after 16 matches played.
Like Sundowns, they have a thing for long unbeaten runs, as they are yet to lose a match, with 12 wins and four draws so far.
The Great Chabab are an attacking side with an average of 52% possession per game in their domestic league.
Not only are they good at keeping the ball, they know how to turn possession into valuable goal scoring opportunities, with their expected goals average standing at 2.11 per game, slightly higher than Downs' domestic average of 1.86.
Belouizdad are ruthless too when it comes to converting the opportunities they create, with an average of 1.75 goals scored per match according to FootyStats.
Defensively, they are a solid side, letting in an average of 0.50 goals per match.
When it comes to the CAFCL, where they finished second in Group D, behind ES Tunis with 10 points, The Great Chabab proved to be no impostors either.
They managed to beat Egyptian giants, Zamalek home and away.
What is impressive about them is their ability to adapt to different match conditions, when playing away, they concede possession and look to play on the counter, which is to be expected, but the most interesting thing is how they do it with great efficiency.
For example, against Zamalek in Egypt, a game they won 1-0, they enjoyed only 45% of the ball, while Zamalek had more attempts on goal with 12, compared to Belouizdad's 10, it was the Algerian outfit who created the best opportunities, with three shots on target to Zamalek's two.
In their 2-0 home win, Belouizdad took full control, enjoying 62% of the ball, while fashioning 15 attempts on goal, with four on target.
Downs can expect a team that is well versed on the art of Champions League football, which means they must be prepared for a fight and a half in their bid to progress to the semi-finals.
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