AS FAR Rabat coach hospitalised and two key players sidelined ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns clash as Tshwane giants look to book Caf Champions League quarter-final spot

Defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns host AS FAR Rabat on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

It is a massive game for coach Miguel Cardoso who hopes to help the South African heavyweights win the Caf Champions League crown this season.

Masandawana are second in Group B with eight points, one less than AS FAR Rabat who have already guaranteed progression.

A draw for Sundowns will be enough to lock out Raja Casablanca who are currently third with five points. The Botola Pro League champions have to beat AS Maniema Union and hope AS Far Rabat claim victory in Mzansi.

However, this might be a tough assignment for the North African outfit as three key personnel are out.

The club has confirmed club head coach Hubert Velud is hospitalized after undergoing a procedure this week.

"Royal Army Club coach Hooper Field has suffered a tear in the artery cord. Coach Philod had surgery Tuesday morning it went well. wishing a speedy recovery to coach Velud," AS FAR confirmed.

The 34-year-old midfielder Narbi Naji is suspended after accumilating three yellow cards while Hatem Al_Sawabi is nursing an injury.

"Player Hatem Al-Sawabi will miss the next match due to injury, which he suffered during the Raja Athletic match for the CAF Champions League," AS FAR added.

"The Swabi player underwent the necessary medical examinations by MRI to determine the nature of the injury and the duration of absence.

"Tests revealed that the Sawabi was exposed to a stretch in the back muscle of the left thigh that would be gone for three weeks. Our wishes for a speedy recovery to the Swabi player."

Sundowns are set to play without suspended duo Bathusi Aubaas and Khuliso Mudau who were sent off against Raja Casablanca.

However, after playing to a 1-1 draw with AS FAR Rabat in the initial meeting, Sundowns can fancy their chances of getting a win at home.