If Kaizer Chiefs are to emerge victorious against Mamelodi Sundowns, statistics reveal they would need, as a priority, to keep quiet one one player who has had their number.
Amakhosi's head to head record against Sundowns does not make for a good reading, as they are winless against Masandawana in the last 12 matches in all competitions, losing eight games and nine if you count a loss on penalties in the MTN8.
The last time Chiefs beat The Brazilians was back in April 2021, a 2-1 win in the Betway Premiership exactly four years ago.
In the last two seasons, however, there has been one particular Sundowns player who has been terrorizing Amakhosi, in Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Costa introduced himself to the South African fans in his first few games at Masandawana, as he netted in a 2-1 win over Amakhosi in August 2023.
The Brazilian was also key in another 2-1 win for Sundowns in the MTN semi-final second-leg, after he assisted one goal in a brace by Peter Shalulile.
The 26-year-old also scored and assisted two goals in the Brazilians' 5-1 thrashing of the Glamour Boys in the reverse league fixture last season.
Costa continued where he left off as a thorn in the flesh of Chiefs in the 2024/25 season, as he scored one goal and assisted another by Iqraam Rayners in a 2-1 victory in the league.
The Brazilian sensation was again on target in the return fixture, as his only goal ensured Sundowns complete a league double over the Glamour Boys with a 1-0 win.
With Masandawana in between crucial CAF Champions League matches, should the Tshwane giants rotate the squad, Amakhosi will be hoping they don't have to face Costa, who would need special attention, if they are to progress to the Nedbank Cup final.
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