Esperance vs Sundowns – Mamelodi Sundowns will travel to Tunisia on Tuesday to face Esperance in the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final, holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Pretoria. Sundowns are looking to protect their advantage or even extend it, aiming to secure a spot in the semi-finals for the third consecutive year.
A Crucial Encounter at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi
The Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Tunis will be the venue for a high-stakes clash, as Esperance look to overturn the deficit. With the backing of their passionate home crowd, Esperance are determined to mount a strong challenge. Sundowns, however, will need to withstand the hostile atmosphere and play with discipline to keep their advantage intact.
Esperance’s head coach, Maher Kanzari, has promised a response after their defeat in Pretoria, vowing to deliver an attacking performance in front of their home crowd. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, returning to his former club, will focus on maintaining composure and securing a result that takes them to the semi-finals.
Sundowns Aim for a Semi-Final Spot
For Sundowns, the stakes are high. Last season, Esperance eliminated them at the semi-final stage, winning 1-0 both home and away. This time, Sundowns will hope to avoid history repeating itself. With a solid first-leg advantage, they will be determined to secure a place in the semi-finals for the third year in a row, a testament to their growth on the African stage.
The return leg will be a significant challenge for Sundowns, who will need to maintain defensive solidity while also managing the pressure that comes with playing in front of a raucous crowd. The match is set to be a thrilling contest, with both teams keen to make their mark.
Esperance’s Promise of a Strong Response
Esperance’s coach has made it clear that his team will fight to overturn the deficit. The Tunisian side is known for their attacking football, and Kanzari is confident that they can score the goals necessary to progress. The 65,000-seater stadium will be packed with passionate fans, and Esperance will be counting on their supporters to inspire them to a comeback.
Sundowns will need to be vigilant, as any lapses in concentration could prove costly. Esperance’s offensive prowess means that Sundowns will have to be at their best defensively, while also looking to capitalize on any counter-attacks.
Esperance vs Sundowns Head-to-Head Record and Form
This is the 10th meeting between Esperance and Sundowns. Historically, Esperance have the upper hand, with four wins to Sundowns’ two. The previous encounters have typically been tight, low-scoring affairs, with the most recent meeting in the 2023 semi-finals seeing Esperance win 1-0 in both legs.
Sundowns come into this match with solid form, having lost just one of their last nine matches before the first leg. Esperance, on the other hand, have been inconsistent at home, winning only two of their last five matches. This gives Sundowns an added edge as they look to extend their lead.
Betting Tips and Predictions
With both teams boasting strong squads and history of closely contested matches, this second leg is expected to be another tightly fought battle. Below are some predictions and betting tips for the match:
| Bet Type | Prediction | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Result | Sundowns Win or Draw | Sundowns have a strong advantage from the first leg and are in solid form. |
| Over/Under Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | Both teams have a history of low-scoring encounters, and Sundowns are likely to play cautiously. |
| Both Teams to Score | No | Sundowns will focus on defense, and Esperance will struggle to break them down. |
| First Goalscorer | Peter Shalulile (Sundowns) | Shalulile has been in excellent form and could be the one to break the deadlock. |
| Exact Score | 1-0 to Sundowns | Sundowns are likely to defend their lead and secure a narrow victory. |
Kick-Off Time and Where to Watch
The second leg will kick off at 21:00 (local time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport TV (SS202) and SABC for fans in South Africa.
Predicted Sundowns XI:
Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Suarez, Modiba, Allende, Mokoena, Adams, Ribeiro, Morena, Shalulile
As the quarter-final tie reaches its conclusion, the game promises to deliver an intense spectacle, with both teams fighting for a place in the semi-finals.
Related article: Mamelodi Sundowns Crush Esperance 1-0 in Hard-Fought CAF Champions League Clash
