Mamelodi Sundowns are set for a CAF Champions League semifinal showdown for a place in the final when they host Tunisian side, Esperance de Tunis on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld.
Masandawana returned to South Africa last weekend with a narrow 1-0 victory against the Tunisian side in the first leg, gaining an away goal advantage. This came from Brayan Leon’s second half heroics.
Ahead of the second round of the two-legged fixture, coach Miguel Cardoso previewed the encounter, stating that they will need to give maximum effort on the pitch, despite having a one-goal advantage.
“The emotions and the place where we stand makes us understand our responsibilities ahead of this game. This is a match we want to win, a match we want to play to win. We want to face it with a maximum will to produce a result that will need us to take everything seriously,” the coach said.
“We know very well what is ahead of us. We also respect the team that is going to be on the other side. We also have a lot of respect for ourselves and that’s what we really need to put in the game. We go into this game knowing the environment will are playing in compared to the one we played in in Tunisia.”
With a slot in the two-legged final of the Champions League at stake, this sold-out affair promises to be a mouthwatering one with two giants in the African continent vying for that spot. While the Brazilians head into their backyard with an advantage, it will be vital for them to not only outclass their Esperance counterparts, but to also impress the Yellow Nation through a performance that will book them a spot in the final.
Mamelodi Sundowns will do lock horns Esperance de Tunis on Saturday afternoon at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld. Kick-off has been scheduled for 15H00, live on SuperSport TV and SABC Sports.
