America vs Macara – News and Probable Lineups

In a bid to secure a place in the knockout rounds, America de Cali will face Macara in the Copa Sudamericana on Thursday evening in Colombia.

Los Diablos Rojos are currently grappling with a troubling winless streak, while Celestes have performed creditably in this tournament so far.

Match overview

Following a 2-0 win against Alianza Atletico in the Copa Sudamericana on May 7, America de Cali has suffered through three matches without a victory (D2 L1), casting doubt on their aspirations both domestically and in international play.

Los Diablos Rojos will enter the final round of group fixtures after their last match ended in a 1-1 draw with Tigre, where Tomas Angel scored an equalizer for the home side in the second half.

With a commendable total of eight points from their first five games in the group, America de Cali currently holds second place in the standings, sitting two points ahead of third-placed Tigre with one match left to play.

Thus, a win at home on Thursday night would secure their advancement to the knockout stages of the Sudamericana, a tournament they have yet to conquer despite four second-place finishes in the Copa Libertadores.

Macara, currently in eighth place in Ecuador’s top tier, are unexpectedly leading the pack in the Copa Sudamericana, enjoying an unbeaten streak of five matches in the competition (W2 D3).

However, their latest outing was disappointing, as Guillermo Sanguinetti’s squad could only manage a goalless draw against bottom team Alianza.

Having only managed one win from their past six fixtures across domestic and international competitions (D2 L3), the group leaders are paradoxically the team struggling for form as they head into this vital encounter in Colombia.

With a three-point cushion over third-placed Tigre in Group A, Celestes would need a significant turnaround in results in the final week to miss out on a place in the knockout rounds.

Team News

America de Cali will be without the injured Marcos David Mina Lucumi, who is not expected to return until early June because of a knee issue.

Additionally, forward Yeison Guzman is also sidelined due to a knee injury, making him unavailable for the home side on Thursday night.

After suffering a domestic defeat over the weekend, Macara might consider making some changes to their starting lineup for this international match.

This means Tommy Chamba and Jose Klinger could be at risk of losing their spots, with Matias Miranda potentially stepping up from the bench.

America de Cali probable starting XI:

Jean; Romero, Tovar, Mina, Rosero; Carrascal, Escobar, Angel, Lucumi, Palacios; Ramos

Macara probable starting XI:

Rodriguez; Espinoza, Etchebarne, Marrufo, Ayala; Estacio, Cazares, Chala, Miranda, Klinger; Ferro

On their home turf and needing a victory to ensure progression, America de Cali are undoubtedly the favorites for their Thursday night fixture, although Macara has the ability to challenge effectively in Colombia.