In a tightly contested battle between ES Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns, both teams settled for a goalless draw in Match Round 1 of the CAF Champions League. The clash, held at the Stade Olympique de Rades, saw the two football powerhouses showcasing their skills and tactics in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
The first half of the match was characterized by intense midfield battles, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. ES Tunis had the majority of possession early on, but Mamelodi Sundowns’ defense remained resolute, thwarting every attacking move by the home side. The visitors, on the other hand, showed glimpses of their attacking prowess, testing ES Tunis’ defense with quick counter-attacks.
As the second half kicked off, both teams upped the ante, with ES Tunis pushing forward in search of a breakthrough and Mamelodi Sundowns looking to capitalize on the counter. The match saw end-to-end action, with both goalkeepers pulling off crucial saves to keep their teams in the game. ES Tunis came close to scoring on several occasions, but Mamelodi Sundowns’ defense held firm, denying the hosts any clear-cut chances.
In the dying minutes of the game, both teams pressed for a winner, but ultimately, the match ended in a stalemate, with the scoreboard reading ES Tunis 0, Mamelodi Sundowns 0. The draw means that both teams walk away with a point each from their opening fixture in the CAF Champions League.
Overall, it was a closely contested match that showcased the defensive solidity of both teams. ES Tunis will look to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures, while Mamelodi Sundowns will take heart from their resilient performance away from home. The fans were treated to an exciting encounter, and both teams will be eager to continue their quest for continental glory in the prestigious CAF Champions League.
Line-ups:
ES Tunis
- Béchir Ben Saïd (6.7)
- Rayed Bouchniba (6.6)
- Hamza Jelassi (7)
- Mohamed Amine Tougai (7.2)
- Mohamed Amine Ben Hmida (6.9)
- Houssem Teka (6.9)
- Onuche Ogbelu (7)
- Abdramane Konaté (6.9)
- Yan Medeiros Sasse (6.3)
- Rodrigo Rodrigues Silva (6.3)
- Mohamed Youcef Belaïli (7.9)
Mamelodi Sundowns
Substitutions:
ES Tunis
- Chiheb Jabeli (Abdramane Konaté, 46)
- Elias Mokwana (Yan Medeiros Sasse, 63)
- Mohamed Rayen Hamrouni (Houssem Teka, 88)
Mamelodi Sundowns
- Iqraam Rayners (Arthur de Oliveira Sales, 66)
- Bathusi Jurry Aubaas (Jayden Oswin Adams, 73)
- Malibongwe Prince Khoza (Lucas Ribeiro Costa, 84)
Ball possession:
In a gripping encounter between ES Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns, the match showcased a battle for control with both teams vying for dominance on the pitch. The ball possession statistics reflected a closely contested affair, with ES Tunis holding 46% of the possession while Mamelodi Sundowns edged ahead with 54%.
ES Tunis displayed their attacking intent with 9 shots aimed at the target, although only 2 found the back of the net. The talismanic figure of Mohamed Amine Tougai led the charge for ES Tunis, showcasing his prowess in front of goal with a flurry of attempts.
On the other hand, Mamelodi Sundowns were equally potent in front of goal, registering 8 shots on target, with 2 hitting the mark. Lucas Ribeiro Costa stood out for Mamelodi Sundowns, demonstrating his clinical finishing with precision in front of goal.
Overall, the match was a thrilling spectacle of attacking football, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The ball possession and shooting statistics underscored the competitive nature of the encounter, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Passes:
In a riveting encounter between ES Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns, both teams displayed exceptional passing accuracy and creativity on the pitch. Mohamed Amine Tougai of ES Tunis showcased his precision with a remarkable pass accuracy of 90%, completing 38 out of 42 passes, dictating the tempo of the game with his composed distribution.
Teboho Mokoena from Mamelodi Sundowns was equally impressive, boasting an 87% pass accuracy rate, connecting with his teammates effectively throughout the match with a total of 63 successful passes out of 72 attempted. His ability to retain possession and build attacking plays was instrumental in the Sundowns’ midfield dominance.
However, it was the flair and vision of Mohamed Youcef Belaïli from ES Tunis that truly stood out, as he delivered 4 key passes, unlocking the Sundowns’ defense and creating goal-scoring opportunities for his team. Belaïli’s creativity and eye for a killer pass added a layer of unpredictability to ES Tunis’ attacking play, keeping the Sundowns’ defense on their toes.
On the other hand, Khuliso Johnson Mudau of Mamelodi Sundowns made a notable impact with 1 key pass, showcasing his ability to contribute to his team’s offensive efforts despite facing a resilient ES Tunis defense.
Overall, the match was a testament to the importance of precise passing and creative playmaking in modern football, with both teams demonstrating their skill and tactical awareness on the pitch. ES Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns’ midfield maestros shone brightly, showcasing the artistry and intelligence required to control the game through impeccable passing accuracy and key passes.
Defense:
ES Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns clashed in a thrilling encounter that showcased a masterclass in defensive prowess. The match was a showcase of tactical discipline and resilience from both sides, as they battled fiercely to thwart the attacking threats of their opponents.
ES Tunis demonstrated their defensive solidity by making a total of 9 interceptions throughout the game, with Mohamed Amine Tougai leading the way with an impressive tally of 3 interceptions. Tougai showcased his astute reading of the game and ability to break up opposition attacks with his timely interceptions.
On the other side, Mamelodi Sundowns put up a strong defensive display as well, tallying 7 interceptions in total. Teboho Mokoena stood out for the South African side with 3 interceptions, demonstrating his awareness and defensive instincts in crucial moments of the match.
When it came to blocking shots, ES Tunis managed to pull off 1 block, with Mohamed Amine Tougai again proving his defensive mettle with a key block to deny Mamelodi Sundowns a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, recorded 4 blocks during the match, with Lucas Matías Suárez Scalarea making a significant contribution with 2 crucial blocks to thwart ES Tunis’ attacking forays.
Both teams showcased a commendable commitment to defensive duties, with interceptions and blocks playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the match. The defensive battles on display added an extra layer of intensity to the contest, highlighting the importance of defensive resilience in the beautiful game.
Face-to-face:
In a fiercely contested match between ES Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns, the battle for possession was intense, with two standout players emerging as leaders in face-to-face duels for the ball. Houssem Teka of ES Tunis showcased his tenacity and determination, engaging in a remarkable 9 face-to-face fights for the ball throughout the game. On the opposing side, Khuliso Johnson Mudau of Mamelodi Sundowns was a force to be reckoned with, engaging in 8 fierce duels for possession.
The match was a spectacle of skill and determination, with both teams pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory. ES Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns displayed a level of intensity that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game.
The presence of Teka and Mudau in the heart of the action added an extra layer of excitement to the match, as their relentless pursuit of the ball showcased their commitment to their respective teams. Their leadership in face-to-face duels demonstrated their importance in the midfield battle and their willingness to fight for every inch on the pitch.
Ultimately, the match ended in a thrilling draw, with both teams deserving praise for their spirited performance. Teka and Mudau’s standout performances in the face-to-face duels for the ball added an extra dimension to the game, highlighting their influence and impact on the outcome.
As the final whistle blew, it was evident that Teka and Mudau had left everything on the pitch, embodying the competitive spirit and intensity of the beautiful game. Their performances will be remembered as defining moments in a match that showcased the best of footballing talent and determination.
Fouls:
- Onuche Ogbelu (ES Tunis) at 87 minute
- Gomolemo Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 49 minute
- Peter Taanyanda Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 56 minute
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 58 minute
- Ronwen Hayden Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 81 minute
Yellow cards:
The last five games (including this match):
- ES Tunis –
- Mamelodi Sundowns –
Top 5 CAF Champions League scorers:
- Ibrahim Adel Ali Mohamed Hassan (2, [])
- Fiston Kalala Mayele (2, )
- Joël Beya Tumetuka (1, )
- Mohamed Hany Gamal Eldemerdash (1, )
- Mohau Nkota (1, )
Next games:
- ES Tunis will play with . , on .
- Mamelodi Sundowns will play with . , on .
