By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the CAF Champions League final for the second successive season after beating Esperance Sportive de Tunis 2-0 on aggregate in the semi-final.
The first leg ended in a 1-0 in Rades, Tunisia, then Downs completed the job after beating the Tunisian giants 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane on Saturday.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute after a costly error by goalkeeper Béchir Ben Saïd, who fouled Brayan León inside the penalty area. The Colombian striker saw his initial spot-kick saved, but reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.
Espérance nearly responded before the break when Yan Sasse burst down the flank and delivered a dangerous cross, but Florian Danho’s effort crashed against the crossbar, summing up the visitors’ frustration.
The second half saw Espérance push forward with greater urgency, dominating spells of possession as they searched for a route back into the tie.
However, Sundowns’ defensive organisation and composure proved decisive. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was rarely troubled despite the Tunisian side’s pressure, while the hosts remained dangerous on the counter-attack.
Coach Miguel Cardoso adjusted his tactics, reinforcing the midfield to absorb pressure and maintain control. Sundowns even threatened to add a second goal, with Jayden Adams and Khuliso Mudau both going close late on.
Despite Espérance’s efforts, they were unable to break down a Sundowns side that has now lost just one of their last 26 home Champions League matches — a formidable record that continues to define their continental success.
They now await the winner of the all-Moroccan semi-final between FAR Rabat and RS Berkane, as they look to go one better than last season’s final defeat.