This upcoming CAF Champions League semi-final first leg features a significant clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance de Tunis. Set to take place on Sunday, April 12, this match brings together two competitive teams with a rich history in the tournament.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, April 12
- Time: 21:00 CAT (19:00 GMT)
- Venue: Stade Olympique de Radès, Radès, Tunisia
- Viewing: Broadcast on SuperSport’s DSTV channel 202 (SuperSport PSL)
Team Updates
Mamelodi Sundowns enter this match with some injury concerns. Nuno Santos and Peter Shalulile are both doubtful due to injuries. Shalulile has historically been a crucial player for Sundowns in the CAF Champions League. Recently, Brayan León has stepped up, providing strong competition for the starting spot alongside Iqraam Rayners, who is also in good form. However, Sundowns will be without Aubrey Modiba, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the quarter-finals.
Expected Lineups
| Espérance de Tunis | Mamelodi Sundowns |
|---|---|
| GK Bechir Ben Saïd | GK Ronwen Williams |
| LB Mohamed Ben Hamida | LB Divine Lunga |
| CB Hamza Jelassi | CB Keanu Cupido |
| CB Mohamed Amine Tougai | CB Khulumani Ndamane |
| RB Ibrahima Keita | RB Khuliso Mudau |
| CM Abdramane Konaté | CM Jayden Adams |
| CM Houssem Tka | CM Marcelo Allende |
| CM Onuche Ogbelu | CM Teboho Mokoena |
| LW Jack Diarra | LW Tashreeq Matthews |
| ST Florian Danho | ST Brayan León |
| RW Kouceila Boualia | RW Tsiki Ntsabeleng |
Player Statistics
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Brayan León has scored three goals in six CAF Champions League matches this season. His strike rate is notably impressive, netting a goal every 117 minutes. Meanwhile, Iqraam Rayners has one goal in five appearances, but overall has a better scoring rate across all competitions, with 15 goals in 28 matches.
Previous Encounters
This semi-final also has a historical context. Coach Miguel Cardoso previously enjoyed success with Espérance against Sundowns in earlier rounds of the tournament. As he leads Sundowns now, he has the opportunity to change past disappointments into triumph. Last season, his previous club Espérance lost the final to Al Ahly, while Sundowns faced a similar fate against Pyramids FC.
As the match approaches, fans and players alike will be eager to see which team can take the first step toward securing a place in the Champions League final. The implications of the away goals rule will add further importance to this encounter, making every play crucial for Sundowns as they look to return home with a positive result.
