Mamelodi Sundowns have secured their place in the CAF Champions League final for the second consecutive season, following a 1-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

The Brazilians progressed with a 2-0 aggregate scoreline, adding to their crucial away win in Tunisia last weekend. Having finished as runners-up to Pyramids FC in the 2025 edition, the South African champions now have a golden opportunity to go one step further and reclaim continental glory.

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Leon Decisive After Penalty Drama

The match began with Sundowns adopting a conservative, measured approach. However, as the first half progressed, the home side began to find gaps in the Tunisian defense. In the 20th minute, Tashreeq Matthews released Brayan Leon into space, but the Colombian striker saw his effort parried away by Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.

The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute following a moment of chaos in the visitor’s box. Attempting to clear a throw-in from his own defender, Ben Said caught a high-pressing Leon in the midriff. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot.

While Ben Said initially redeemed himself by saving Leon’s penalty strike, the rebound fell kindly for the striker. Leon reacted quickest, sweeping the ball into the net to give the Brazilians the lead and a two-goal cushion on aggregate.

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Controlling the Tempo

Esperance nearly found a lifeline just before the break. In the 41st minute, Yan Sasse’s driven cross took a heavy deflection off teammate Florian Danho, looping over Ronwen Williams and striking the crossbar.

In the second half, Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi opted for tactical control. The Brazilians dominated the ball, starving Esperance of the opportunities needed to mount a comeback. Despite the focus on possession, Sundowns remained dangerous; in the 75th minute, Ben Said was forced into a quick-fire double save to deny long-range efforts from Marcelo Allende and Jayden Adams.

Ultimately, the Sundowns defense was impenetrable. Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon, as the backline successfully neutralized the “Blood and Gold” attack.

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Final Outlook

Sundowns now await the winner of the second semifinal between Moroccan sides ASFAR and RS Berkane. ASFAR currently holds a 2-0 advantage heading into the second leg.

The two-legged final is scheduled to take place in May, where the Brazilians will look to erase the memories of last year’s final defeat and secure their first Champions League title since 2016.

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