Here is our brief look at the close to pointless 5th place playoff game in the FIFA Club World Cup between Asian champions Jeonbuk Hyundai and African champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Both sides lost in the Quarter Finals on Sunday.
The game kicks off at 4.30pm Local and Korea Time on Wednesday Afternoon (most people will be at work, us included). Here is our brief preview, head-to-head details and prediction for Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Mamelodi Sundowns;
Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Mamelodi Sundowns (Wednesday December 14th 2016)
Jeonbuk Hyundai:
Jeonbuk won the AFC Champions beating Al Ain in the final over 2 legs a few weeks ago. They also finished runner-up in the K League, losing grip of the title on the final day of the season losing out to rivals FC Seoul. They lost in the Quarter Finals against Mexican side Club America 2-1, missing out on a big game against Real Madrid.
Key Player: 30 year old Brazilian winger Leonardo is playing his 5th season for Jeonbuk and has been key player in both the league and champions league (he wasn’t happy about not starting in the QF). Also Veteran forward Lee Dong-Gook (37) maybe playing in his final game.
Mamelodi Sundowns:
The 2016 CAF Champions League Champions, they’re currently 8th in the South African Premier League, but have a few games in hand. They won the champions league beating ZESCO United (Zambia) in the semis, before beating Zamalek (Egypt) in the final. They lost their quarter final game against J-League side Kashima Antlers 2-0.
Key Player: Captain and South African International Hlompho Kekana commands the midfield area. Colombian Striker Leonardo Castro is the main danger upfront.
Head-to-Head:
These sides have never played each other.
Prediction:
Jeonbuk Hyundai 2 – 1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Not expecting much from this game as it’s a glorified post-season friendly. Mamelodi tried late on in the Quarter Final, and we see Jeonbuk having the advantage in conditioning. Jeonbuk should win.
Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Mamelodi Sundowns – Result & More
Jeonbuk Hyundai 4 – 1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Kim Bo-Kyung, Lee Yong-Ho, Kim Shin-Wook & an own goal for the Asian Champs as they eased past their African rivals. Mamelodi haven’t had a great week in Japan and going 3 goals down in the 1st half didn’t help. Mamelodi will go back to the South African Premier League, whilst Jeonbuk can finally start their end of season break and start planning for the 2017 season.
Highlights:
Coming Soon
Finally
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Tim
Modern Seoul
tim@modernseoul.org
Modern Seoul 