How Sundowns lined up: Williams, Mudau, Cupido, Kekana, Lunga, Allende (Aubaas 76’), Mokoena, Adams, Morena (Mdunyelwa 88’), Sales (Matthews 73’), Leon (Ndamane 88’).
How Esperance lined up: Ben Said, Keita, Jelassi, Tougai, Ben Hamida, Ogbelu, Konate (Jabri 90+1’), Tka (Hadjali 81’), Boualia (Diakite 63’), Yan Sasse (Diarra 63’), Danho.
A second-half goal from Brayan Leon proved the difference for Sundowns, who now take a slender but valuable advantage into the second leg at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday.
It wasn’t straightforward though. Kabo Yellow had to absorb heavy pressure for long periods and finished the match with 10 men after a late red card for Grant Kekana.
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SUNDOWNS HOLD FIRM UNDER PRESSURE
Esperance started to take control early on, dominating possession and pushing Kabo Yellow back. Their first real chance came in the 33rd minute when Florian Danho smashed a volley onto the crossbar.
Moments later, Danho looked through on goal again, but Kekana produced a crucial recovery tackle to keep Sundowns level.
From the resulting corner, Mohamed Amine Tougai rose highest with a powerful header, but Ronwen Williams pulled off a big save, with Leon clearing the danger off the line.
Sundowns’ only real chance of the first half fell to Arthur Sales, but his effort from the edge of the box was deflected wide.
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BRAYAN LEON STRIKES AS DRAMA UNFOLDS
Sundowns came out with more intent after the break and were rewarded in the 51st minute with a well-worked goal.
Jayden Adams picked out Thapelo Morena with a long diagonal pass. Morena delivered a perfect cross for Leon, who headed home from close range to silence the home crowd.
Esperance thought they had equalised in the 65th minute when substitute Aboubacar Diakite bundled the ball in from close range. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out after Williams was fouled in the build-up. The decision that didn’t go down well with the home fans.
The closing stages brought more pressure and more drama. With five minutes left, Sundowns were reduced to 10 men when Kekana was sent off for a high challenge.
Despite that setback, the Brazilians held on, showing discipline and composure to secure a crucial away win.
The second leg will be played at Loftus Versfeld this weekend. Sundowns will look to finish the job and book their place in the final.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final saw AS FAR beat RS Berkane 2-0 in an all-Moroccan showdown.
DO YOU EXPECT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TO BECOME CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS THIS YEAR?
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