Mamelodi Sundowns FC snatch surprise win over Esperance
Mamelodi Sundowns FC secured a surprise 1-0 win over Esperance in the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg, with Colombian Leon scoring the decisive goal. The 25-year-old striker nodded a Khuliso Mudau cross past goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said in the 51st minute.
What happened?
The match was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. However, Mamelodi Sundowns FC's Grant Kekana was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute after kicking Frenchman Florian Danho in the face. The Algerian referee gave an outstanding performance in an electric atmosphere.
Why it matters for Mamelodi Sundowns FC
The win puts Mamelodi Sundowns FC in a strong position to reach the Champions League final, having lost to Pyramids of Egypt last season. The return match is set for Saturday in Pretoria, where Mamelodi Sundowns FC will seek to secure a spot in the final.
What comes next?
Mamelodi Sundowns FC will face a tough task in the return leg, but they will be confident of their ability to secure a win. The team's manager will be looking to his players to maintain their focus and discipline in the second leg.
The return match is set for Saturday in Pretoria, with Mamelodi Sundowns FC seeking to reach successive Champions League finals. In the other first leg, second-half goals from Ahmed Hammoudan and Khalid Ait Ouarkhane gave FAR Rabat a 2-0 win over Renaissance Berkane in an all-Moroccan clash on Saturday.
