Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Cupido, Ndamane, Lunga, Morena, Mokoena, Adams, Sales, Mattahews, Leon.
Subs: Onyango, Allende, Ntsabeleng, Aubaas, Mdunyelwa, Saleng, Johannes, Rayners.
Sundowns host Tunisian giants Esperance at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 18 April at 15:00, with the match set to be broadcast on SABC 1 and SuperSport 209.
Holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, Kabo Yellow are now just 90 minutes away from securing a place in the CAF Champions League final.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS HOLD NARROW EDGE
Coach Miguel Cardoso’s side did the hard work away from home last weekend, grinding out a crucial win under intense pressure at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium.
Esperance dominated large spells of that encounter, with Florian Danho hitting the crossbar while Ronwen Williams was forced into several key saves. At one stage, Brayan Leon had to clear off the line to keep Sundowns level.
The breakthrough arrived in the 51st minute when Jayden Adams picked out Thapelo Morena with a long diagonal pass, and Morena’s delivery found Leon, who headed home from close range.
ESPERANCE SET TO TEST KABO YELLOW AT LOFTUS
Sundowns’ task is now clear, protect the lead and finish the job at Loftus Versfeld.
Esperance believed they had found an equaliser through Aboubacar Diakite, but VAR ruled the goal out after a foul on Williams, a moment that proved decisive in the tie.
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There was late drama as Grant Kekana was sent off for a high challenge, forcing Sundowns to see out the match with 10 men.
With a place in the final on the line and the match available to a wide audience on free-to-air television, this is more than just a game, it is a test of Sundowns’ mentality, control, and ambition.