Mamelodi Sundowns take a giant leap towards CAF glory with crucial win over Espérance

Easter is upon us and as such, Mamelodi Sundowns are on course to end their nine years of fasting regarding Africa’s holy grail, the CAF Champions League.

The match got heated in the end, though, as the supporters of Espérance and the Yellow Nation of Sundowns engaged in unsavoury exchanges in the far stands. Sundowns will be proud of the result, nevertheless, having taken a huge step towards recapturing continental glory by beating Espérance in this quarter-final, first-leg, clash on Tuesday afternoon.

Sundowns have had near misses in the competition in the past, losing back-to-back semi-finals in the last two seasons, but it could be third-time lucky for them this season. They produced a professional performance, inspired by a solo goal from Peter Shalulile, ensuring they take an important advantage into the second leg next week Tuesday.

Loftus has been Sundowns’ haven and their opponents’ hell. However, on their last visit here, Espérance were in seventh heaven, winning the semi-final 2-0 on aggregate. Sundowns were determined to restore the default setting against Espérance this time by appointing Miguel Cardoso and opting for a 3pm kick-off on Tuesday.

Cardoso was the mastermind behind Espérance’s win last season between the two clubs, while the heat of an afternoon kick-off and altitude favoured the hosts. Everything looked good on paper for the Brazilians to claim the win.

Cardoso’s men pinned the visitors in their own half early on, shifting the ball around in an attempt to break them down. It was an impressive start for the Brazilians, though it did little to silence the few Esperance fans, who still found their voice, despite having been stripped of their lasers and flares by CAF before the game.

Perhaps what fuelled the Tunisian fans was the performance of their own Judas Iscariot, Elias Mokwana, who was home but away from home. Mokwana was born here in Pretoria but was the hosts’ enemy on the field. He lived up to that billing, making some terrific runs and keeping Sundowns’ defence on their toes.

The breakthrough, however, proved difficult for the Brazilians, made even harder by the gathering clouds that took away their advantage. The setting of the sun did not result in their demise, though; instead, it led to Lucas Ribeiro flexing his muscles, as he took the game to the visitors.

Loftus began to stir as Sundowns’ fans rumbled, cheering him on. Such is Ribeiro’s superpower that it has become almost expected of him to rise at every outing, and be the main man for this Brazilian side.

The 26-year-old unleashed a curling effort, forcing Jayden Adams to defy his stature and head the ball to Shalulile. The Namibian did well to accept the gift in-front of goal, beating Bechir Ben Said at his near post and sending Loftus into a frenzy.

Shalulile raced to the corner flag with his teammates, knelt, kissed the ground, and raised his arms to thank the heavens for the goal and advantage. With Sundowns not forsaken by the football gods on home soil, they will hope for the same fortunes at what will be a hostile Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi next week.

SCORERS

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (1) 1: Shalulile 54

ESPERANCE 0