Mamelodi Sundowns secured a spot in the CAF Champions League semi-finals with a disciplined performance, holding ES Esperance to a goalless draw in the second leg of their quarter-final clash at Stade Olympique Hammadi-Agrebi on Tuesday night.

This result meant Sundowns advanced with a 1-0 aggregate victory, courtesy of Peter Shalulile’s goal in the first leg in Pretoria last week.

While Sundowns celebrated reaching the semi-finals for the third consecutive time, they still haven’t managed a win against the North Africans in Tunisia. However, their primary focus was on securing qualification, which they achieved.

This match marked the eighth encounter between Sundowns and Esperance, with the Tunisian side holding the advantage with three wins to Sundowns’ one.

Sundowns’ solitary victory came in the first leg at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria. They previously met in the 2001 group stage, with both matches ending in goalless draws.

Sundowns reached the final that year but ultimately lost to Al Ahly.  

Despite the unfavorable statistics, Sundowns aimed to achieve their first CAF Champions League victory in Tunisia.

Needing to overcome a deficit, Esperance initiated the early pressure. Youcef Belaïli’s dangerous second-minute free kick found Mohamed Tougaï, but Ronwen Williams made a crucial save for Sundowns.

The South African captain urged his team to stay focused, as Esperance, unlike in Pretoria, adopted an attacking approach.

The match evolved into a tactical battle, with Sundowns gradually settling into the game and attempting to frustrate Esperance.

Sundowns, under coach Miguel Cardoso, are known for their tactical discipline at this stage of the competition. It was going to require something extraordinary for Esperance to break them down, a feat they failed to achieve, unlike last season’s semi-final when Cardoso coached the Tunisian side.

Esperance’s Onuche Ogbelu nearly gifted Sundowns an opportunity, losing possession in his own half. Lucas Ribeiro Costa capitalized, cutting inside and firing a shot across the face of goal, but it went wide.

Marcelo Allende then came close for Sundowns, hitting the crossbar, as the South African side began to assert their dominance.

Sundowns were the superior side in the first half, while Esperance struggled, with Belaïli’s dangerous cross eluding everyone.

Seeking to break Sundowns’ defense, Esperance introduced South African international Elias Mokwana from the bench, hoping for a moment of brilliance.

Mokwana, familiar with several Sundowns players from his time with the South African national team and previously linked to the club while at Sekhukhune United, was signed by Esperance.

Esperance thought they had equalized in the 53rd minute when Achref Jabri flicked the ball over the onrushing Williams.

However, Jabri, who appeared to time his run perfectly between Grant Kekana and Lucas Suarez, was ruled offside after a VAR review, providing a significant relief for Sundowns.

Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena controlled the right flank and midfield respectively for Sundowns. Shalulile worked tirelessly upfront, and Divine Lunga delivered a strong performance on the left.

Shalulile attempted a long-range shot, but Béchir Ben Saïd made the save.

In the semi-finals, Sundowns will face Al Ahly, who defeated Al Hilal in their quarter-final tie.