April 8, 2025
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso faces a defining night in his tenure as he returns to familiar territory—Tunisia—for a high-stakes CAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg against former employers Esperance.
Having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Pretoria, Sundowns carry a slim but crucial advantage into the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi this evening. For Cardoso, this encounter marks not just a reunion, but an opportunity to stake his claim on the continental stage.
Champions League Ambitions Collide
Cardoso’s arrival in Chloorkop was motivated by a shared vision: conquering Africa. With both the coach and the club having flirted with Champions League glory in recent years, tonight offers another shot at reaching the summit.
Sundowns will be desperate to maintain their lead and keep a clean sheet, while Esperance—the “Beast of Africa”—must overturn the deficit to secure a third consecutive semi-final berth and push for a record-extending fifth CAF title.
Match Details
- Kick-off: 21:00 (CAT)
- Venue: Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, Radès
- Broadcast: DStv channel 202, SABC1
- Streaming: DStv Stream, SABC+
- Radio: SABC stations (live commentary)
Head-to-Head History
- 02/06/2017 – Sundowns 1-2 Esperance
- 21/06/2017 – Esperance 0-0 Sundowns
- 20/04/2024 – Esperance 1-0 Sundowns
- 26/04/2024 – Sundowns 0-1 Esperance
- 01/04/2025 – Sundowns 1-0 Esperance
Venue Spotlight: Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi
Located in Radès, the Stade Olympique is a 60,000-capacity fortress that has hosted some of Tunisia’s biggest matches since its opening in 2001. Home to both Esperance and Club Africain, the stadium is widely regarded as one of Africa’s premier sporting venues.
It boasts elite certification from the International Athletics Federation and was ranked among the world’s most beautiful stadiums by Spanish outlet Marca in 2020.
Key Players to Watch
Esperance:
- Youcef Belaili – Despite a recent dip in form, the Algerian winger remains Esperance’s top scorer this season with 16 goals. His experience and flair make him a go-to man for coach Maher Kanzari.
- Achref Jabri – A consistent attacking threat, particularly in this season’s continental campaign.
Sundowns:
- Lucas Ribeiro – The Brazilian forward is critical to Sundowns’ attacking shape. Though he’s had a quiet few weeks, his ability to create and score in big moments makes him indispensable.
Form Guide
Esperance (last 5 matches):
- 3-0 vs Etoile Sahel
- 2-0 vs AS Gabes
- 1-1 vs Ben Guerdane
- 2-2 vs JS Omrane
- 0-1 vs Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns (last 5 matches):
- 1-1 vs Golden Arrows
- 2-0 vs AmaZulu
- 1-2 vs Orlando Pirates
- 1-0 vs Sekhukhune United
- 1-0 vs Esperance
Betting Odds (Hollywoodbets)
- Esperance: 9/10
- Draw: 18/10
- Sundowns: 34/10
Best Bet: Esperance
Value Bet: Sundowns
Prediction & Insight
Expect an aggressive start from Esperance, who will look to level the aggregate score early and avoid the lottery of a penalty shootout. The Tunisian giants are backed by a formidable home record and a roaring crowd in Radès.
Sundowns, however, are no strangers to pressure. With Cardoso’s inside knowledge of Esperance’s setup and the tactical discipline they’ve shown recently, they are capable of frustrating the hosts and snatching a decisive away goal.
Victory here would send a strong message to the rest of the continent: Mamelodi Sundowns are in it to win it.