Mamelodi Sundowns faced a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Esperance of Tunisia in a tense Caf Champions League semifinal first-leg clash, with Brazilian midfielder Yan Sasse proving to be the match-winner.
The first leg comes to a close in Tunisia. We'll give it our all in the return leg! 💪
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 20, 2024
ES Tunis (41' Sasse) 1⃣➖0⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns#Sundowns #DownsLive #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/0D6ENCcwPA
Sasse, who joined Esperance after playing for Wellington Phoenix reserves in New Zealand, scored his third goal of the competition on 41 minutes, capitalising on a superb through ball from compatriot Rodrigo Rodrigues.
The Brazilians head into the half time break with work to do!
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 20, 2024
42' ES Tunis (41' Sasse) 1⃣➖0⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns#Sundowns #DownsLive #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/Ah3qIksp7G
Despite Sundowns' efforts, including a disallowed goal and several near misses, they were unable to breach Esperance's solid defence.
Al AHLY DRAW WITH MAZEMBE
In another semifinal clash, title-holders Al Ahly of Egypt held TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo to a goalless draw in Lubumbashi.
Despite Mazembe's clear-cut chances and Ahly's injury-depleted lineup, including the absence of key players like goalkeeper Mohamed el Shenawy and regular scorer Hussein el Shahat, the Egyptian outfit managed to hold firm defensively.
Match nul au 🇨🇩
— Al Ahly SC 🇫🇷 (@AlAhlyfrancais) April 20, 2024
Rendez-vous Vendredi prochain au Stade du Caire 💪🦅 pic.twitter.com/wfvDL4rt9M
With the return matches set to take place on Friday, Ahly remains the favourite to advance to the final, holding the advantage with an away draw.
Meanwhile, Sundowns will be eager to overturn the deficit as they host Esperance.