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Dar es Salaam. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in the TotalEnergies Champions League this weekend as South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns travel to face Esperance de Tunis in Tunisia.
Kickoff is slated for 10 pm East African Time on Saturday, April 20th, with Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana overseeing the action at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi (Radès).
This match carries extra weight for Sundowns, who see it as an opportunity for payback against Esperance.
History reveals a series of close encounters between these two powerhouses. Across six meetings in the CAF Champions League, Esperance holds a slight edge with two wins to Sundowns’ one, while the remaining matches ending in draws.
Fans can expect a fierce battle as Sundowns seeks to avenge past defeats. The most recent clashes occurred in the 2021 group stages, where both legs ended scoreless.
However, memories of the 2000 encounter still linger, where Esperance triumphed 3-2 in the first leg, before Sundowns secured a 2-0 victory in the return match.
Key Players in the Spotlight:
Mamelodi Sundowns – Ronwen Williams: Fresh off his stellar performance in the quarter-finals, where his penalty saves secured victory for Sundowns, all eyes will be on the South African goalkeeper to hold strong against Esperance’s attack. His exceptional saves also earned him the prestigious title of best goalkeeper at the 2023 Afcon.
Esperance de Tunis players train ahead of the CAFCL semifinal first leg encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns. PHOTO | COURTESY
Esperance de Tunis – Yan Medeiros Sasse: This Brazilian attacking midfielder has been a driving force for Esperance’s Champions League campaign. With two goals and an assist already under his belt, Sasse is expected to be a key threat to Sundowns’ defense.
Mamelodi Sundowns come into the match brimming with confidence, currently sitting atop the South African domestic league table. They boast an impressive unbeaten streak of 21 matches, with six draws on their record. Esperance, meanwhile, lead the Tunisian Ligue 1 standings, having won three and drawn one of their opening four matches.
Coaches’ Cautious Optimism:
Esperance coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledges the challenge ahead but expresses faith in his team’s abilities. Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena echoes this sentiment, highlighting the team’s seriousness and preparation for the daunting away fixture.
This semi-final clash promises an exciting display of attacking football. Can Sundowns settle the score with Esperance, or will the Tunisian giants maintain their dominance?
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