Mamelodi Sundowns will be banking on their proud home record and fervent support in their CAF Champions League second-leg semi-final against Esperance at Loftus Versveld on Saturday.
Sundowns hold a 1-0 advantage after their historic first-ever victory in Tunis last Sunday and now return to their Loftus fortress in a bid to progress to a second consecutive CAF Champions League final.
Colombian striker Brayan Leon scored the all-important away goal for Sundowns after heading home a superb cross from Thapelo Morena. It was Leon’s fourth goal in the CAF Champions League since arriving from Independiente Medellín during the January transfer window.
Loftus is set to be transformed into a sea of yellow and blue on Saturday with tickets officially sold out for the semi-final.
Sundowns have also partnered with PRASA to ensure fans can be transported to the match on the #PeoplesTrain for just R20 return.
History bodes well for the Brazilians and their fans with Sundowns boasting an impressive home record in CAF Champions League knockout matches.
The South African champions have lost just one of their last 18 home knockout stage games in the CAF Champions League with eight victories, nine draws and just one loss.
The solitary reversal came in the 2023-24 semi-finals, ironically a 1-0 defeat to Esperance, who were coached by current Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso at the time.
However, Sundowns, who were by now coached by the Portuguese tactician Cardoso, got their revenge last season, securing a 1-0 over the Tunisian giants, courtesy of Peter Shalulile’s 54th minute goal in a quarter-final 1st-leg clash at Loftus.
Kickoff is at 3pm (SA time).
