CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns labour to defeat Esperance in first leg of quarter-final tie

Mamelodi Sundowns earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Esperance Tunis in the CAF Champions League on Tuesday afternoon.

The South African giants hosted the team from Tunisia today in the first leg of their quarter-final tie in the CAF Champions League.

In the game played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, both teams put up a fight in the first half, creating several goal scoring chances but neither side could find the back of the net.

Mamelodi Sundowns returned from the halftime break determined to land an early punch and succeeded in the 54^th minute.

A strike from Peter Shalulile broke the deadlock of the contest, giving the host the lead. That goal inspired the South Africans to secure all three points at full time despite the spirited effort from Esperance Tunis.

A strong finish back in the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL! Now, the focus shifts to the 2nd leg ????

Mamelodi Sundowns (54’ Shalulile) 1️⃣➖0️⃣ ES Tunis#Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/tDHDQdYKkS

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 1, 2025

The narrow victory gives Mamelodi Sundowns a first-leg advantage heading into the reverse fixture against Esperance.

The second leg is scheduled for Tunisia on April 9.