Downs secure CAFCL semi-final spot with goalless draw
With this hard-fought result, Sundowns will now shift their focus back to the Nedbank Cup, where they will face Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals.
A goalless draw between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance Sportive de Tunis at the Hammadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium on April 8 secured the Pretoria side a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League for the third consecutive season.
The Brazilians previously clinched a 1-0 victory in the first leg.
The match was anticipated to be thrilling, and it certainly lived up to that expectation right from the start.
Both teams were keen to make their mark early on, with Espérance generating a significant opportunity just two minutes into the game.
Luckily for Masandawana, captain Ronwen Williams was quick to react and cleared the threatening ball.
The game swiftly transitioned into an end-to-end battle, yet Bafana Ba Style effectively managed the pace.
Despite their possession, the home team still struggled to find the back of the net.
On the defensive end, Divine Lunga stood strong against the Espérance attackers and prevented them from even approaching the danger area.
As the first half progressed, Sundowns threatened the Espérance defence with a series of counterattacks.
Lucas Ribeiro showcased his skills but his shot narrowly missed the target.
Marcelo Allende, on the other hand, came close to breaking the deadlock with a long-range shot, but his effort rattled the crossbar, resulting in both teams heading into half-time goalless.
The hosts kicked off the second half with renewed energy.
Williams was once again up to the task and swept the ball away to maintain the stalemate.
Ribeiro showcased his agility but his shot was comfortably saved by the Espérance goalkeeper.
In the final moments of the match, Peter Shalulile nearly opened the scoring after receiving a beautiful pass from Iqraam Rayners, but his shot was also thwarted by the goalkeeper.
With nine minutes added to the clock, Bafana Ba Style held on to their aggregate lead, concluding a physically demanding encounter with a nill-all draw.
The Brazilians will now shift their focus back to the Nedbank Cup, where they will face Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals on April 13.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ lineup: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Suarez, Lunga, Allende, Mokoena, Adams, Shalulile, Sales, Ribeiro.
Substitutes: Onyango, Modiba, Khoza, Tiwani, Mdunyelwa, Aubaas, Esquivel, Matthews, Rayners.
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