The continental journey comes to an end for Esperance de Tunis, who were defeated once again (1-0) by Mamelodi Sundowns this afternoon at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. After losing by the same scoreline in the first leg, the Blood and Gold bow out of the CAF Champions League 2025-2026 at the semi-final stage, with efficiency proving decisive over the two legs.
The opening minutes, however, offered hope. In an impressive atmosphere where the voices of Esperance supporters echoed throughout the stadium, the Blood and Gold started on the front foot. High pressing and attacking intent saw Boualia test the waters as early as the 5th minute, though without troubling the goalkeeper. Gradually, Sundowns took control. Lunga threatened in the 11th minute, but Ben Saïd was alert, and moments later, the Esperance goalkeeper produced an outstanding save to deny Léon (20’).
After a promising first quarter-hour, the game settled into a midfield battle. Then, in the 32nd minute, everything changed. A poorly handled throw-in from Keita back to his goalkeeper resulted in a costly mistake, gifting Sundowns a penalty. Although Ben Saïd initially saved Brayan’s effort, Léon reacted quickest to convert the rebound (35’, 1-0).
It was a brutal blow. Now needing two goals to turn things around, Esperance pushed forward. Danho had a header easily gathered (41’), before coming agonizingly close moments later when his strike crashed against the crossbar. Luck was not on their side.
In the second half, Esperance tried to reignite their challenge but lacked cutting edge. Danho made the wrong decision in a promising position (48’), while long-range attempts from Keita (50’) and Boualia (51’) failed to make an impact. As time passed, Sundowns managed the game with composure, controlling the tempo and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Fatigue - both physical and mental - began to show. The Blood and Gold lost clarity and belief, while Sundowns remained in full control. Ben Saïd once again stood tall with two consecutive saves from Allende and Adams (75’), but it was not enough to change the outcome. Diakité’s late effort went wide (77’), symbolizing a frustrating afternoon.
The final minutes felt long and inevitable. At the final whistle, Sundowns confirmed their place in the final, having won both legs with authority. Over the two matches, they proved more clinical and composed.
For Esperance, the disappointment is immense. Yet, beyond the result, this campaign offers lessons - particularly in efficiency at key moments. The Blood and Gold leave the continental stage with regrets, but also with the determination to return stronger and aim once again for African glory.
EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Keita, Ben Hamida(c), Jelassi, Tougaï, Ogbelu, Tka (Rafia 69'), Konaté (Hadj-Ali 83'), Boualia (Diakité 59'), Sasse (Diarra 69') and Danho (Maâcha 83').
Booking: Ben Saïd, Diakité, Ogbelu.