CAF Champions League: Patrice Beaumelle backs Esperance to respond in Pretoria after VAR controversy in Sundowns clash

Espérance head coach Patrice Beaumelle has insisted his side remain firmly in control of their CAF Champions League tie despite a frustrating first-leg 1-0 loss at home.

The Tunisian giants were left to rue what they felt was a decisive interruption to their rhythm after a potential goal was ruled out following an extended video assistant referee check — a moment Beaumelle believes came at a critical stage of the match.

A major talking point from the game was the controversial decision that saw Espérance’s celebrations cut short after VAR intervened, a process the coach felt stalled his team’s momentum when they were beginning to assert dominance.

“We even scored a goal that was disallowed, and I regret that the review took so long, as it disrupted our momentum at a crucial moment,” Beaumelle said, reflecting on the turning point of the match.

Despite the disappointment, the Frenchman remained composed and optimistic, stressing that his side have what it takes to finish the job away from home in the return leg against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria.

“I remain fully confident in my players’ ability to react and secure qualification in Pretoria,” he added.

With the tie finely balanced, Espérance will now shift focus to South Africa, where they must navigate a hostile atmosphere and a Sundowns side known for their resilience on home soil.

For Beaumelle, however, belief remains unshaken — and the message is clear: the job is far from done.

The return leg is scheduled to kick off at 13:00 GMT on Sunday, April 18.