Mamelodi Sundowns will chase revenge towards Esperance de Tunis when the groups meet within the first-leg match of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal tie, set for the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on the afternoon of Tuesday 1 April. Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.
MATCH BACKGROUND
Sundowns and Esperance met within the semifinals of final season’s Champions League, with the North African aspect prevailing (earlier than going to lose to Al Ahly within the ultimate) – so the Brazilians will very a lot see this tie as an opportunity to avenge that painful defeat by the hands of the Blood & Gold.
Sundowns earned their place within the ultimate eight by ending second in Group B behind ASFAR, whereas Esperance topped Group D (although solely on purpose distinction forward of Pyramids FC).
The place the Blood & Gold may have a bonus coming into this match is when it comes to preparation time: Esperance have been inactive since a home league draw with JS Omrane on March 12, permitting them ample time for the reason that worldwide break to gear up for this conflict and guarantee they’re match and recent for the journey to South Africa.
Sundowns, in contrast, had many gamers concerned in key nationwide staff matches for South Africa and performed a draining catch-up match within the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal this weekend. The quarterfinal tie towards Sekhukhune United went to additional time and was solely determined by a late strike from Jayden Adams – one of many gamers that starred for Bafana Bafana.
WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso on the benefit Esperance de Tunis may have had of their preparations:
“I understand how they [Esperance] put together [for the] Champions League, they do the whole lot within the nation so the groups in Tunisia can play in one of the best circumstances, they performed 10 days in the past, even the nationwide staff didn’t have Esperance gamers.”
Esperance de Tunis’ South African winger Elias Mokwana on representing the Blood and Gold:
“Everyone knows in Africa that Esperance is likely one of the largest golf equipment on the earth. So, I simply wished to come back right here to expertise it and provides my all. I’m a winner, I’m a participant that likes to play on the road, tackle the defenders, create alternatives for my teammates and rating some objectives for myself.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jayden Adams, Mamelodi Sundowns
A rising star in midfield for membership and nation, Jayden Adams has discovered the again of the online for 3 video games working for each the South African nationwide staff and Mamelodi Sundowns. The 23-year-old will hope to carry his hard-running power and attacking instincts to this key Champions League conflict.
Elias Mokwana, Esperance de Tunis
As soon as wanted by Mamelodi Sundowns within the switch market, winger Elias Mokwana now has the possibility to do injury to one of many largest golf equipment in his native nation. The 25-year-old’s tempo, trickery and penetration from vast areas represents a transparent menace to Mamelodi Sundowns’ Champions League hopes.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
In head-to-head phrases, Sundowns and Esperance have met in eight earlier matches (all within the Champions League), with the Blood & Gold claiming 4 wins in comparison with one for the Brazilians (plus three drawn video games).
The groups met most lately within the semifinals of final season’s Champions League, with Esperance profitable 1-0 each in Tunisia and South Africa (objectives from Yan Sasse and Raed Bouchniba respectively) to take the tie 2-0 on combination.
