Esperance Tunis vs Mamelodi Sundowns: CAF Champions League Semifinal Clash
The road to African glory reaches a fever pitch this Sunday as Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Tunisia to face Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semifinals. With a $4 million prize for the eventual tournament winner, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the South African giants and the Tunisian powerhouse.
Match Details: When and Where to Watch
The first leg takes place in the hostile environment of Rades, where Esperance will look to establish a dominant lead before the return leg in Pretoria.
- Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 21:00 SAST / 2:55 PM ET
- Venue: Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, Tunis
- TV Channels: beIN SPORTS, SS 202 and SABC 1
The return leg is scheduled for April 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, as detailed in the official schedule.
The Tactical Narrative: The Miguel Cardoso Factor
This encounter is more than just a clash of titans; it’s a personal battle for Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. The Portuguese tactician was poached from Esperance in December 2024, adding a layer of psychological intrigue to the fixture. Cardoso possesses intimate knowledge of the Tunisian side, but he’s facing a team that historically holds the upper hand, winning four of their 10 head-to-head meetings compared to Sundowns’ two.
Continental Pedigree
Esperance enters the match as one of the most decorated clubs in the competition, having won the CAF Champions League four times (1994, 2011, 2018, and 2019). Mamelodi Sundowns, while possessing immense talent and a strong domestic record as Betway Premiership defending champions, have one title to their name from 2016.
The Path to the Semifinals
Both teams arrived at this stage after grueling knockout battles:
- Esperance Tunis: Advanced by eliminating Al-Ahly with a commanding 4-2 aggregate score.
- Mamelodi Sundowns: Secured their spot after a tense 3-2 aggregate victory over Stade Malien.
Predicted Lineups
Based on current form and tactical setups, the following lineups are expected to capture the field:
Esperance Tunis
Bechir Ben Saïd; Mohamed Ben Hamida, Hamza Jelassi, Mohamed Amine Tougai, Ibrahima Keita; Abdramane Konaté, Houssem Tka, Onuche Ogbelu; Jack Diarra, Florian Danho, Kouceila Boualia.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Ronwen Williams; Divine Lunga, Keanu Cupido, Khulumani Ndamane, Khuliso Mudau; Jayden Adams, Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena; Tashreeq Matthews, Brayan León, Tsiki Ntsabeleng.
Key Takeaways
- High Stakes: The winner of the tournament will claim a $4 million prize.
- Venue Advantage: Esperance hosts the first leg in Tunis, while Sundowns host the return leg at Loftus Versfeld.
- Coaching Twist: Sundowns’ Miguel Cardoso faces his former club, Esperance.
- Historical Edge: Esperance has won more head-to-head encounters (4) than Sundowns (2).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the second leg of the semifinal?
The return leg will be played on April 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, South Africa.
How many times has Esperance won the CAF Champions League?
Esperance has won the title four times: in 1994, 2011, 2018, and 2019.
Which channels are broadcasting the match?
Fans can watch the match on beIN SPORTS, SS 202, and SABC 1.
As the “Brazilians” of South Africa step onto the pitch in Tunis, they face a daunting task against a seasoned continental giant. Whether Cardoso’s insider knowledge will be enough to stifle the Tunisian attack remains the defining question of this semifinal.