Mamelodi Sundowns managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Esperance in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal tie.

The match, played before a decent crowd at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, saw the home team struggle against a determined Esperance side.

However, it was Sundowns who came out on top thanks to an early second-half goal.

Shalulile’s Crucial Goal

The lone goal of the match came from Peter Shalulile, who found the back of the net in the second half to give Sundowns a vital advantage.

This goal puts the team in a strong position as they now look ahead to the second leg, with one foot firmly placed in the semifinals of the prestigious tournament.

A Challenging Encounter

This was never going to be an easy match for Sundowns. The history between the two teams in CAF Champions League competitions is a tough one, with Esperance having knocked Sundowns out of the same competition just last season.

The team’s familiarity with their opponents, combined with coach Miguel Cardoso’s prior experience with Esperance, played a key role in Sundowns’ preparation and eventual success in this encounter.

Team Line-ups

Sundowns started the match with the following lineup: Wiliams, Mudau, Modiba, Kekana, Suarez, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Shalulile, Matthews, and Ribeiro.

The strategic setup and determination on the field led to a hard-earned victory.

As Sundowns prepare for the return leg, they will hope to build on this slim advantage and secure their place in the CAF Champions League semifinals.