Sundowns stand firm against Esperance to reach CAF Champions League semi-finals

The result ensured a 1-0 aggregate victory for the South African side, who now face reigning champions Al Ahly of Egypt in the next round.

The encounter carried added significance, with Masandawana seeking revenge for last season's semi-final defeat to Esperance. Adding to the intrigue, Sundowns' current coach, Miguel Cardoso, previously managed the Tunisian giants.

Esperance started strongly, nearly taking the lead through Youcef Belali, whose early effort was denied by a sharp save from Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Despite the pressure, it was Sundowns who came closest in the first half, as Lucas Ribeiro curled just wide and Marcelo Allende rattled the crossbar.

Esperance responded with tactical changes in the second half, introducing Achref Jabri and Chiheb Jebali.

Jabri appeared to have changed the game when he found the net shortly after the hour mark, only for VAR to rule the goal out - a moment that deflated the home crowd.

As time wore on, Esperance pushed relentlessly in the final stages, but Sundowns' defence held firm under intense pressure.

Williams and his backline delivered a disciplined performance to preserve their slim aggregate advantage. 

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