Esperance Sportive de Tunis face a defining night in their CAF Champions League campaign as they host South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-final second leg on Tuesday evening in Radès.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Pretoria, Maher Kanzari’s side must summon a composed yet courageous performance at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium if they are to overturn the deficit and reach the semi-finals.
A solitary goal separates the two sides, but the challenge ahead remains formidable for the Tunisian outfit.
Despite the slim margin of defeat in South Africa, Esperance remain fully in contention. Their task, however, is complicated by the calibre of the opponent.
Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the continent’s most seasoned and technically proficient clubs, arrive in Tunisia seeking to build on their narrow advantage and reach the semi-finals for a second consecutive year.
Esperance’s preparations have suffered a setback with the absence of defender Mohamed Ben Ali, who has been ruled out of the return fixture.
His omission is expected to test an already strained defensive line that endured heavy pressure in the first leg.
The coaching staff must now implement key tactical adjustments to maintain a solid backline while still pushing forward in search of goals.
The Blood and Gold will look to leverage their home advantage, backed by what is expected to be a passionate and full-throated crowd in Radès.
Aware of the stakes, the team is expected to blend tactical discipline with attacking urgency.
The absence of Ben Ali will place additional responsibility on the remaining defenders to keep the Sundowns attack at bay, particularly given the visitors’ pace and fluidity in the final third.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, the objective is clear: manage their lead, stay compact, and exploit counter-attacking opportunities.
The South African champions are well-versed in high-pressure continental fixtures and are likely to approach the match with calculated composure.
Having emerged victorious in the first leg without conceding, they hold a crucial edge but will be wary of a Tunisian side that has historically thrived in front of its home support.
The encounter is set to kick off at 20:00 local time, with Senegalese official Issa Sy appointed to oversee proceedings.
With both teams boasting deep experience in continental competition, the margins are expected to be fine. One moment of brilliance or a costly error could determine which side moves into the final four.
For Esperance, the mission is clear—win, and win well. For Sundowns, the focus will be on containment and seizing the key moments.
As the stadium in Radès braces for a night of high drama, all eyes will be on which club emerges from this heavyweight clash with a semi-final ticket in hand.
