“Don’t Forget Cairo” – Legend Onyango Issues Stern Warning To Sundowns Teammates

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Denis Onyango has warned his side against complacency following their 1-0 win over ES Esperance, citing their stunning quarter-final away victory over Al Ahly as proof that the semi-final tie remains wide open.

Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Radès on Sunday, with Brayan León scoring the decisive second-half goal.

It was the first time that Miguel Cardoso’s side—renowned for their defensive solidity—managed to beat Espérance in Tunisia, succeeding on their sixth attempt.

However, Sundowns will be without experienced defender Grant Kekana for the return leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday after he was sent off in the 84th minute for a dangerous tackle.

Espérance, meanwhile, demonstrated their threat by eliminating record champions Al Ahly SC in the quarter-finals. They won 1-0 at home before securing a 3-2 victory in Cairo to progress 4-2 on aggregate.

They also have a recent history against Sundowns, having eliminated them in a previous semi-final in the 2023/24 season —winning the decisive second leg in South Africa when Cardoso was still in charge of the Tunisian side.

It is for this reason that Onyango, echoing his coach’s sentiments, believes the tie remains wide open.

“It’s not over yet,” Onyango warned.

“It’s only half-time. We are in the lead, but we can’t take them for granted, especially after they won away in Egypt against Al Ahly.

“We know they are a fighting team, and they have the quality to score goals. We also have quality players, pace, and attacking threat.”

The winner of this tie will face either AS FAR or RS Berkane in the final.

The first leg of that semi-final ended 2-0 in favour of AS FAR.