Sundowns vs ES Tunis – Mamelodi Sundowns will welcome Espérance de Tunis to Loftus Versfeld for the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final showdown. Both clubs dominate their respective leagues, with Sundowns leading South Africa’s Betway Premiership and Espérance topping Tunisia’s Ligue Professionnelle 1. Sundowns last lifted the Champions League trophy in 2016, while Espérance, four-time winners, last triumphed in 2019.
Sundowns vs ES Tunis Match Details:
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Kickoff: 15:00 CAT
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Broadcast: SuperSport
Group Stage and Recent Form
Sundowns progressed from Group B as runners-up behind AS FAR, finishing above Raja Casablanca and Maniema Union. Meanwhile, Espérance topped Group D ahead of Pyramids FC, Sagrada Esperança, and Djoliba. Sundowns enter the tie after a 1-0 extra-time win over Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, with Jayden Adams scoring the decisive goal. Espérance, on the other hand, have shown strong attacking form, boasting the best scoring record in Tunisia.
Key Players to Watch
- Mamelodi Sundowns: Jayden Adams has been in fine form, making a strong impact for both club and country. Iqraam Rayners and Peter Shalulile will be key in attack.
- Espérance de Tunis: South African forward Elias Mokwana has been instrumental for Espérance, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the Champions League this season.
Injury and Squad News
- Espérance will be without captain Yassine Meriah due to a cruciate ligament injury. Roger Aholou and Mohamed Mouhli are also doubtful.
- Sundowns’ left-back Aubrey Modiba has been on paternity leave, and his availability remains uncertain.
Head-to-Head Record
Espérance eliminated Sundowns in last season’s semi-finals with a 2-0 aggregate win, scoring 1-0 victories in both legs. Sundowns will be eager to avenge that defeat on home soil.
Predicted Line-ups
Mamelodi Sundowns (4-3-3):
GK: Ronwen Williams
DEF: Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana, Lucas Suárez, Khuliso Mudau
MID: Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams
FWD: Peter Shalulile, Iqraam Rayners, Lucas Ribeiro Costa
Espérance de Tunis (4-3-3):
GK: Bechir Ben Said
DEF: Ayman Ben Mohamed, Koussay Smiri, Mohamed Amine Tougai, Elyas Bouzaiene
MID: Abdramane Konaté, Houssem Tka, Onuche Ogbelu
FWD: Elias Mokwana, Achref Jabri, Mohamed Youcef Belaïli
Match Prediction and Betting Tips
| Market | Prediction | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | Sundowns to Win | 1.90 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.75 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 2.00 |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Peter Shalulile | 2.50 |
Sundowns will aim to capitalise on home advantage, while Espérance will seek an away goal, knowing the CAF away goals rule is still in place. Expect a tightly contested battle between two elite African clubs.
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