One week has passed since the first leg in Pretoria between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance de Tunis. One week of intense focus and hard work for the Blood and Gold, who head into tomorrow’s return leg at Radès determined to overturn the 1-0 defeat and book their place in the semi-finals of Africa’s most prestigious club competition.
There is no margin for error. The technical staff has used every day to fine-tune the team’s tactics and prepare a plan to counter Sundowns' strengths. Training sessions took place in a calm, focused environment, despite some minor disturbances—such as media controversies and the ill-timed summoning of Youcef Belaïli by the domestic league. These distractions, however, were swiftly cast aside. The team’s eyes are fixed on a single goal: qualification.
The supporters, as always, are ready to play their part. Tickets were sold out even before the first leg, and preparations for the tifo have been ongoing for days. The fans are eager to turn tomorrow’s game into a footballing celebration. Aware of the uphill task their team faces, they are fully committed to being the driving force, the famed 12th man. Memories of 2018 against Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto are alive—when a seemingly lost cause was revived through sheer willpower, belief, and relentless support from the stands.
Still, Sundowns are no Primeiro. The South African champions are a well-drilled, highly experienced side. They will come to Radès with a favourable scoreline and a clear plan: slow down the tempo, close the spaces, and pounce on any defensive lapses. To overcome them, Espérance will need a top-tier performance—one that blends tactical discipline with offensive sharpness and mental resilience.
Every detail will matter. Every pass, every tackle, every shot must be executed with precision. The mental preparation for such high-stakes encounters is crucial. Yet, over-excitement could be just as dangerous as complacency. It’s up to the coaching staff to find the perfect balance and keep the players sharp, composed, and focused on the collective mission.
Espérance must attack with intent, defend with grit, and remain calm under pressure. Add to that a bit of luck and a stadium roaring in unison, and anything becomes possible.
We believe in our players. We believe in our fans. Together, let’s make it a magical night at Radès. Good luck!