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Mamelodi Sundowns secured their spot in the CAF Champions League semi-finals after a well-executed display, managing a 0-0 draw against ES Esperance in the second leg of their quarter-final match at Stade Olympique Hammadi-Agrebi on Tuesday evening.
This result enabled Sundowns to advance with a 1-0 aggregate victory, courtesy of Peter Shalulile’s goal in the first leg held in Pretoria the previous week.
As Sundowns celebrated their third successive appearance in the semi-finals, they were eager to claim their first win against the North African challengers in Tunisia. Nevertheless, their primary goal of achieving qualification was accomplished successfully.
This match marked the eighth encounter between Sundowns and Esperance, with the Tunisian team historically leading with three wins compared to Sundowns’ solitary victory.
The only victory for Sundowns occurred during the first leg at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria; previous encounters during the 2001 group stage ended in draws.
Sundowns reached the final that year but were ultimately defeated by Al Ahly.
Despite the challenging statistics, Sundowns were determined to secure their inaugural CAF Champions League triumph on Tunisian soil.
With a need to overturn a deficit, Esperance applied early pressure. Youcef Belaïli’s threatening free kick in the second minute found Mohamed Tougaï, but Ronwen Williams made a pivotal save for Sundowns.
The South African captain motivated his teammates to stay focused as Esperance adopted a more aggressive offensive strategy compared to the first leg.
The match evolved into a tactical duel, with Sundowns gradually discovering their rhythm and aiming to disrupt Esperance’s play.
Under the leadership of coach Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns showcased impressive tactical discipline during this phase of the tournament. It would require something extraordinary for Esperance to breach their robust formation, a feat they could not achieve, unlike in last season’s semi-final when Cardoso managed the Tunisian side.
Esperance’s Onuche Ogbelu nearly gifted Sundowns a scoring chance by relinquishing possession in his own half. Lucas Ribeiro Costa seized the opportunity, cutting in to take a shot that went wide of the goal.
Marcelo Allende came close for Sundowns, striking the crossbar as the South African side began to establish more dominance.
Sundowns demonstrated superiority during the first half, while Esperance faltered, with Belaïli’s dangerous cross failing to connect with any teammate.
In an effort to penetrate Sundowns’ defense, Esperance introduced South African international Elias Mokwana from the bench, seeking a spark of inspiration.
Mokwana, familiar with several Sundowns players from his days with the South African national team and having previously been linked to the club during his stint at Sekhukhune United, was acquired by Esperance.
Esperance believed they had equalized in the 53rd minute when Achref Jabri flicked the ball over an advancing Williams.
However, following a VAR review, Jabri was ruled offside, much to the relief of Sundowns.
Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena effectively managed the right flank and midfield for Sundowns, while Shalulile worked tirelessly up front, and Divine Lunga delivered an impressive performance on the left.
Shalulile attempted a long-range shot, but Béchir Ben Saïd made the save.
In the semi-finals, Sundowns are set to face Al Ahly, who triumphed over Al Hilal in their quarter-final match.
