Denis Onyango cautions Mamelodi Sundowns teammates ahead of Esperance return clash

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango has urged caution within the squad ahead of their decisive CAF Champions League return leg, warning that nothing is guaranteed despite their slender advantage.

The South African champions go into Saturday’s showdown against Tunisian giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld holding a 1–0 aggregate lead from the first leg. However, Onyango believes recent continental results should serve as a serious reminder of how unpredictable the competition can be.

His concerns were sharpened after Espérance produced a stunning 3–2 away victory over Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly SC in Cairo—one of the standout results of this season’s knockout stage.

That result, according to the experienced goalkeeper, has completely reshaped how Sundowns must approach their own second leg, reinforcing the danger of complacency even when holding an advantage.

Despite Sundowns’ strong position, Onyango insists the tie is far from settled and has called for full focus and discipline from his teammates.

“It’s not yet over. It’s like half-time right now,” Onyango said. “We are in the lead, but we can’t take them for granted because we saw they won away in Egypt against Al Ahly.”

He further emphasised Espérance’s fighting spirit and attacking threat, stressing that the Tunisian side are more than capable of turning the tie around if Sundowns lose concentration.

“We know they are a fighting team,” he added. “But we also have the quality to cut them and get more goals. We have good players, quick players and the quality.”

Sundowns will now look to complete the job in front of their home supporters, but Onyango’s message has made it clear that the dressing room understands the dangers that come with facing a battle-hardened North African side.

The return leg promises a tense atmosphere in Pretoria, with a place in the CAF Champions League final at stake and both sides still firmly in contention.