Mamelodi Sundowns vs ES Tunis, a reunion with a taste of revenge

The Mamelodi Sundowns are set to face Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. This clash, more than just a match, carries the air of revenge for the South African side. A duel that promises fireworks!

The quarterfinals of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League kick off on April 1, 2025. The opening match will see Mamelodi Sundowns FC take on Espérance Sportive de Tunis in a first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. This highly anticipated fixture since the draw is expected to be intense and is already generating a lot of buzz.

History of encounters

The Sundowns and ES Tunis are no strangers to each other. The two teams have crossed paths several times in the Champions League, with matches often being tight and intense. In the semifinals of the 2023/2024 edition, ES Tunis came out on top against the Sundowns, winning both legs 1-0, both in Tunis and Pretoria. A result that put the South Africans under pressure and added a layer of rivalry to this duel as it wasn't the first time.

During the group stage of the 2016/2017 CAF Champions League, the Tunisian club won the first leg 2-0 in Pretoria before sharing the points with the Masandawana in Tunis (0-0). From 2000 to date, in eight encounters, ES Tunis has four victories, compared to just one for Mamelodi Sundowns, with the other three matches ending in draws.

Miguel Cardoso against his former club

This encounter has a special flavor for Miguel Cardoso, current coach of the Mamelodi Sundowns. The Portuguese technician managed ES Tunis last season. He led the Tunisian club to the Champions League final against Al Ahly SC before joining the Sundowns. He now faces his former club, eager to prove his worth and guide his current team to victory.

Stakes of the Sundowns vs ES Tunis clash

Beyond the qualification for the semifinals, this double confrontation is an opportunity for Mamelodi Sundowns to take their revenge on ES Tunis after last year's elimination. The Sundowns, winners of the inaugural edition of the African Football League at the end of 2023, are looking to reconnect with success in the Champions League, a competition they haven't won since 2016. ​

On the other hand, the Tunisian Blood and Gold, buoyed by their favorable history against the South Africans, will approach this encounter with confidence, but also with caution, aware of their opponent's offensive potential.

Lydiane N'Po |

Editorfr, en

Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.