ES Esperance coach Miguel Cardoso remains cautious despite his team’s 1-0 lead over Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg.

“It was only the first leg,” Cardoso emphasized. “There’s still a lot of football to be played in Pretoria before we can talk about the final.”

Yan Sasse’s solitary goal gives Esperance a narrow advantage heading into the return leg at Loftus Stadium on Friday. Sundowns will be desperate to overturn the deficit on home soil.

While Sundowns face Sekhukhune United tonight, Esperance has already touched down in Pretoria and enjoyed the luxury of postponing their league match to focus solely on this crucial tie. Cardoso will even have the chance to analyze Sundowns from the comfort of his hotel room.

Despite Sundowns potentially resting key players, Cardoso refuses to underestimate his opponents. “We know it will be a very difficult match, but we are determined to qualify for the final,” he declared.

Cardoso emphasized the importance of concentration and hard work for the return leg. “This team is built to improve and overcome challenges,” he said. “The next match will be tough for both sides, so unity and support will be crucial. Concentration, recovery, and hard work are the key words to achieving our goal.”

The Esperance players understand the task at hand and are determined to give their all to secure a place in the Champions League final.