Esperance take slim advantage in CAF Champions League semifinals
Esperance de Tunis take a slim advantage to the second leg of the CAF Champions League against Mamelodi Sundowns. The Taraji, as the North African team is more popularly known, managed a 1-0 win over the 2016 champions.
Brazilian Yan Sasse latched on to a brilliant through ball from his countryman Rodriguez before trying to lob an oncoming Ronwen Williams. The lob was partially blocked by South Africa’s number goalkeeper and Sasse had a second try. Although he did not catch it cleanly, Sasse’s shot made it over the line with a scrambling Allende unable to get his short legs to the ball before it crossed the line.
The Tunisian club’s defence kept up a solid run of clean sheets in the Champions League by keeping the Sundowns attack at bay, although Themba Zwane and crew did not create many clear cut chances. The South African league champions are playing a game every three days, which does take its toll. Even though the squad is deep and talented, there is no time in between games to prepare for the next opponent.
Rulani Mokwena must now rally his troops and be ready to turn the tie around against Esperance on Friday night at the Loftus Voersveld Stadium in Pretoria. Influential midfielder, Teboho Mokwoena should be back along with a couple of other important squad members.
