CAF Champions League: Beaumelle insists tie still alive after Espérance narrow defeat to Sundowns

Espérance de Tunis head coach Patrice Beaumelle has delivered a defiant message ahead of the decisive second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria on Saturday, insisting the tie remains wide open despite his side’s narrow defeat in the first leg.

Sundowns edged a tightly contested encounter in Tunisia on Sunday, securing a 1-0 victory to take a slim advantage into the return fixture and move a step closer to the final.

Beaumelle, however, believes the result did not accurately reflect the balance of play and expressed frustration after the match.

“I am very disappointed, not just by the defeat, but especially because the scoreline doesn’t reflect the match,” Beaumelle said, according to Pan Africa Football.

“We were more aggressive, more committed, and we managed to create several clear chances.

“Nothing is decided at this stage, no team has qualified or been eliminated. The decision will be made in the second leg, where we absolutely must be more efficient and more clinical.

“Unlike our match in Cairo, where we showed two different sides, our performance was consistent and generally good throughout the game.”

The return leg is scheduled for Sunday, April 18, with kick-off set for 13:00 GMT in Pretoria.