CAF Champions League: Sundowns, Esperance in Semi-Finals Showdown

Sundowns face Esperance in CAF Champions League semi-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns to face Esperance in CAF Champions League semi-finals, while AS FAR and RS Berkane clash in second semi-final.

The hosts doubled their advantage before half-time, with Haman Mandjan reacting quickest...

Mamelodi Sundowns will face off with Esperance in the CAF Champions League semi-finals. Sundowns secured their spot after a nail-biting 2-0 loss to Stade Malien in Bamako, but their 3-0 win in the first leg was enough to give them a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Esperance, on the other hand, eliminated Al Ahly with a 3-2 away win in Cairo, showcasing their strength in the tournament. Sundowns are aiming for their second African title, having last won in 2016.

Stade Malien got their comeback quest off to a strong start, taking an early lead through Taddeus Nkeng's header from close range. The initial offside flag was overturned by VAR, giving Stade Malien the boost they needed.

Nkeng looked to have doubled his team's lead a few minutes later, but VAR intervened again, ruling his effort offside due to his position.

The hosts doubled their advantage before half-time, with Haman Mandjan reacting quickest to a rebound following a scramble in the penalty area.

Despite a strong attacking display in the second half, the West Africans couldn't get the third goal they needed to level the score, missing several scoring opportunities in the process.

Sundowns' result means they've reached a fourth consecutive semi-final appearance, highlighting their consistency among Africa's top clubs.

Esperance produced a strong performance in Cairo, eliminating Al Ahly from the tournament with a 3-2 away win.

The Egyptians took an early lead in the 10th minute when Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ capitalized on a defensive lapse by the visitors.

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Despite Al Ahly's dominance, Esperance turned the game around in the second half, scoring three goals to win the thriller 3-2 and progress 4-2 on aggregate.

To reach the final, Esperance must get past the South Africans, who are gunning for a second African title. Sundowns' only triumph came in 2016 when they beat Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate.

The second semi-final will pit two Moroccan sides, AS FAR and RS Berkane, against each other for the second ticket to the final.

The semi-finals will be held in April, with the final scheduled for May 2026.