Mamelodi Sundowns secured a surprise 1-0 victory over Esperance Sportive de Tunis in Rades, in the first leg of the 2026 CAF Champions League semi-final.
The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute after a brilliant team move culminated in a header from Brian Leon Munir past Tunisian international goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.
ماميلودي صنداونز يفاجئ الترجي الرياضي بهدف في شباكه ⚽️
هل يرد الترجي سريعًا؟ #دوري_أبطال_إفريقيا pic.twitter.com/VPyCzkXvh4
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) April 12, 2026
A VAR review disallowed an equalizer for Esperance, scored by Abdoulaye Konaté in the 66th minute.
Sundowns finished the match with 10 men after Kekana was sent off in the 84th minute, but Esperance failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage and find an equalizer.
Therefore, coach Patrice Beaumelle’s men will have to return from South Africa with a victory to reach the final, a daunting task against a formidable Sundowns side playing at home in front of their fans.
The second leg is scheduled to take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium next Saturday at 2:00 PM Tunisian time. It is worth noting that the other semi-final saw FAR Rabat defeat RS Berkane 2-0 at their home ground (Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat).
