CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns is ‘one of the monsters of Africa’ – Esperance defender Mohamed Dräger

Esperance defender Mohamed Dräger has offered high praise for Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their decisive CAF Champions League semi-final second leg at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The South African champions carry a slim 1-0 advantage into the return fixture after securing a hard-fought victory in North Africa last weekend, a result that has put them in a strong position to reach the final.

While Sundowns have previously had mixed fortunes against Esperance — eliminating the Tunisians in last season’s quarter-finals but falling short in the 2024 semi-finals — Dräger insists they remain one of the continent’s most formidable sides.

“I respect them in every position, on every corner,” the 29-year-old said, as per SABC Sport.

“It’s a big team, especially at home, like a big force. Very dynamic team, very tactically and technically prepared team by the coach and the whole staff.

“So, yeah, I mean, it’s a semi-final of the Champions League.

“Everyone who’s facing each other now is facing basically one of the monsters in Africa. So, we face a monster of Africa, not the monster,” he concluded.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT at Loftus Versfeld.