Sundowns host the Tunisian giants at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 18 April at 15:00, with the match set to be shown on SABC 1 as well as SuperSport 209.
Holding a slender 1-0 advantage, Kabo Yellow now stand 90 minutes away from booking a place in the CAF Champions League final.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS HOLD NARROW EDGE
Coach Miguel Cardoso’s side did the hard work away from home last Sunday, grinding out a crucial win under intense pressure at Hammadi Agrebi Stadium.
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Esperance dominated large spells of the game, with Florian Danho striking the crossbar and Ronwen Williams forced into multiple key saves. At one stage, Brayan Leon had to clear off the line to keep Sundowns level.
The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute. Jayden Adams picked out Thapelo Morena with a long diagonal, and Morena’s delivery found Leon, who headed home from close range.
ESPERANCE TO ASK QUESTIONS AT LOFTUS
Mamelodi Sundowns’ task is clear now, protect the lead and finish the job at Loftus Versfeld.
Esperance thought they had equalised through Aboubacar Diakite, but VAR ruled the goal out after a foul on Williams, a moment that proved decisive in the tie.
Late drama followed when Grant Kekana was sent off for a high challenge, leaving Sundowns to close out the match with 10 men. Khulumani Ndamane is expected to step up to partner Keanu Cupido in defence.
That red card now adds another layer to the second leg, forcing tactical adjustments in a game where margins will be tight.
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With a place in the final on the line and the nation watching on free-to-air television, this is more than just a match, it’s a test of mentality, control, and ambition.
DO YOU EXPECT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TO REACH THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL?
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