Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed their place in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League after holding on for a tense 0-0 draw in the second leg of their quarterfinal clash with Tunisian giants Espérance on Tuesday night, April 8, 2025. The match took place at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Tunis, where the atmosphere was electric as the home fans rallied behind their team, hoping to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.
In the first leg, Sundowns secured a narrow victory thanks to a solitary goal from Peter Shalulile. Now, with the aggregate score at 1-0 in favor of the South Africans, they needed only to avoid defeat to progress to the semifinals.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso, who led Sundowns into this crucial match, emphasized the importance of results over performances as he faced the media before the game. "Champions League matches are for results," he stated firmly. "I remember last year, most of you (in the media) criticized performances that Esperance did. But we reached the final. We never, as coaches, worry about the opinions of others when we know what we’re doing." His focus on results is evident as Sundowns aim for a second star on their badge in this year's competition.
As the match kicked off, it was clear that both teams were eager to assert their dominance. In the opening minutes, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was called into action, making a crucial save from a free kick delivered by Youcef Belaïli, preventing an early goal that could have shifted the momentum in favor of the home side.
Despite the pressure from Esperance, Sundowns managed to create their own chances, with Lucas Ribeiro narrowly missing the target just before halftime. Moments later, Marcelo Allende unleashed a powerful long-range shot that rattled the crossbar, sending a wave of concern through the home crowd.
However, the match took a contentious turn in the second half when a goal from Esperance’s substitute forward Achref Jabri was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check. The decision was met with disbelief from the home fans, who felt the narrow margin should have counted. This moment proved pivotal, as it kept the aggregate score at 1-0 in favor of Sundowns.
Throughout the match, Sundowns demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, successfully absorbing the pressure from Esperance, who were unbeaten in their last 11 CAF Champions League games at home. The South African side's defense held firm, with Mosa Lebusa and the backline effectively neutralizing the hosts' attacking threats.
"I think every coach is different with their philosophies and we’re lucky enough to have a coach who was in the final last season," said Lebusa, reflecting on Cardoso's impact since taking over from Manqoba Mngqithi mid-season. "He’s helping us, making us realize our full potential. In that regard, he’s really leading us."
As the match wore on, Sundowns continued to display their defensive prowess, with Williams making several key saves to maintain the clean sheet. Despite the mounting pressure from the home side, they managed to hold on until the final whistle.
With the match ending in a 0-0 draw, Sundowns progressed to the semifinals with a 1-0 aggregate victory. They will now face defending champions Al Ahly, who secured their place in the last four with a 2-0 aggregate win over Al-Hilal. The first leg against Al Ahly is scheduled for April 18 or 19, 2025.
As Sundowns celebrate their hard-fought progression, the focus will shift to their upcoming clash with Al Ahly, where they will seek to continue their pursuit of the CAF Champions League title. The team's defensive resilience and strategic gameplay have proven effective, and with Cardoso at the helm, they are poised to make a deep run in this prestigious tournament.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Sundowns, who are now aiming for a third successive semifinal appearance in the Champions League. After being eliminated by Cardoso’s Esperance last year, the team is determined to make their mark this time around.
As fans and analysts alike look ahead to the next round, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting semifinal matchup against Al Ahly. With both teams boasting strong squads and rich histories in African football, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
