Mamelodi Sundowns secured a hard-earned 1-0 win over Esperance in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinals match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
It was a tense battle, but Sundowns came through with a crucial goal in the early second half.
Peter Shalulile’s Match-Winning Goal
The only goal of the match came courtesy of Peter Shalulile, whose clinical strike proved to be the difference-maker.
His effort has put Sundowns in a strong position to progress to the semifinals, with one foot already firmly planted in the next stage of the competition.
A Hard-Fought Encounter with Deep History
The match was anything but easy, especially considering the historical context between the two teams.
Esperance had eliminated Sundowns from the tournament the previous season, adding extra pressure to the South African side.
Sundowns’ head coach, Miguel Cardoso, played a key role in the team’s preparation, given that he had previously managed Esperance.
His familiarity with the opposition likely helped him strategize effectively against them.
Starting Lineups for Both Teams
Mamelodi Sundowns started with the following lineup: Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Kekana, Suarez, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Shalulile, Matthews, and Ribeiro.
With the first leg victory secured, Sundowns will look to finish the job when they travel to face Esperance in the second leg.