Esperance coach Beaumelle unfazed by Sundowns' staunch home record

Africa 17 April 2026 at 13:15

Hlayisani Magoro

News Editor

18.04.26 FT CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Esperance

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Esperance de Tunis head coach Patrice Beaumelle is unfazed by Mamelodi Sundowns' strong record on home soil in the CAF Champions League.

The Tunisian giants will be looking to overturn a one-goal deficit in the return leg of the semi-final clash in Pretoria as Brayan Leon netted the solitary goal in Rades last week.

Esperance, however, face an uphill battle as Sundowns' last home defeat in the competition dates back to April 2024 - interestingly against Esperance.

Beaumelle says records are meant to be broken, noting how his side secured a maiden victory at Al Ahly in the quarter-finals of Africa's premier club competition last month.

“It's always statistics and statistics are made to be changed. Of course, it's a one indicator that they're very efficient and they're good in this competition,” said the French tactician.

"But I remember one month ago we went to Cairo and Esperance had never beaten Al Ahly in Cairo in history, and we made it, we scored three goals, obviously it's possible it's football.

The Esperance boss insists his troops put the South African champions under immense pressure in the first meeting, but concedes lack of cutting edge cost them the match.

“Today we are here [in a press conference] to respond to questions but the best answer is tomorrow on the field and to try to be efficient. We made a very good game, I think we put trouble on Sundowns last week but we were not efficient,” Beaumelle added.

"So, we just have to believe in ourselves like we believed in Cairo in the past, so everything is possible - we'll see tomorrow.

The two teams will lock horns at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday at 15h00, with a lucrative spot in the final at stake.

Related teams and leagues

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Esperance

CAF Champions League