Esperance out to finish job against Mamelodi Sundowns - Oussema Bouguerra

The Tunisian giants hold a 1-0 aggregate lead over Mamelodi Sundowns from last weekend’s first leg in Tunis, and merely have to avoid defeat in Friday’s semi-final second leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Speaking to local media prior to their first training session at the Tuks sports grounds in Pretoria, attacker Oussema Bouguerra said though their approach in Tunis last week was different, they are out to do whatever is necessary to seal the tie.

"We did a [good] first leg in Tunisia and we've come here to finish the tie. Inshallah we will try to win and progress to the final," said Bougerra via an Arabic translator.

"We didn't play differently in Tunisia, but we did our job and that's why we scored a goal there. Each game has it's own [dynamics], so we are here to finish the match and win inshallah."

Esperance previously tasted victory over Sundowns in Pretoria – winning 2-1 in the Champions League group stages back in 2017 during former coach Pitso Mosimane’s era, but Bougerra says they are motivated to now progress to the final.

"We know this Sundowns team very well and we also know that we can win here. Esperance have a tradition and culture of this competition, that's why we are here to win," added the 25-year-old.

"I think this is the best motivation for any player who plays in the Champions League, playing in a semi-final and hoping to pass into the final – it's very important for every player."