Mamelodi Sundowns fans had every reason to breathe a huge sigh of relief on Tuesday night.
The team pulled off exactly what they needed—a solid, no-nonsense performance that saw them edge past Esperance and book their place in the CAF Champions League semifinals.
After winning the first leg 1-0, the Brazilians just needed to avoid defeat in the second leg to keep their continental dreams alive.
And that’s precisely what they did. With a 0-0 draw on home turf, Sundowns kept things tight and professional, securing a 1-0 aggregate win that sent them through.
Old Rivals Await in the Semifinals
Now that the dust has settled, Sundowns know exactly who they’ll be up against in the next round—and it’s a familiar foe.
The Tshwane giants are set to face Egypt’s Al Ahly in what’s sure to be a blockbuster semifinal clash.
Al Ahly earned their spot after dispatching Al-Hilal 2-0 on aggregate.
They took a 1-0 advantage from the first leg and doubled down on that with another clean win on Tuesday.
That result sealed the North Africans’ place in the final four and set up a classic continental showdown.
First Leg at Home, Second in Cairo
As per the draw, Sundowns will host the first leg of the semifinal in South Africa before traveling to Cairo for the decisive return leg.
Given both teams’ impressive home records, this setup adds an extra layer of drama to an already tense affair.
A Heated Rivalry Rekindled
This won’t be the first time these African heavyweights square off. In fact, Sundowns and Al Ahly have clashed 14 times before in the CAF Champions League.
It’s been a closely fought rivalry—Sundowns have won five, Al Ahly four, and five have ended in draws.
What’s even more telling is Al Ahly’s struggles on South African soil. The Egyptian giants have never managed to beat Sundowns in Mzansi.
Out of their seven visits, they’ve left with just three draws and four losses.
The last time Al Ahly managed to get the better of Sundowns was back in May 2021 with a 2-0 win in Cairo.
Since then? It’s been all Sundowns—four wins and three draws in the last seven encounters.
Momentum and History on Sundowns’ Side?
Given the recent form between the two teams and Sundowns’ home dominance, many are wondering if this is finally the year the South African outfit makes another historic run to the final.
With Unwavering fans behind them and confidence riding high, the Brazilians may just have the edge.