Shalulile’s Decisive Goal Secures Sundowns 1-0 Win Over Esperance
SOUTH AFRICA – Mamelodi Sundowns edged closer to the semifinals of the CAF Champions League with a 1-0 win over Tunisian champions Esperance in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday afternoon.
Peter Shalulile’s second-half goal proved decisive in a tightly contested match between two African football heavyweights.
The opening minutes were marked by caution as Esperance adopted a defensive approach, allowing Sundowns to dominate possession but restricting them to long-range attempts.
Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena tested Tunisian goalkeeper Ben Said with a powerful free kick in the 15th minute, but the effort was comfortably saved.
Despite having over 80% of possession, Sundowns struggled to break down Esperance’s disciplined defensive lines, leaving the match goalless at halftime.
To shift the tempo, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made key changes at halftime, introducing Divine Lunga and Arthur Sales for Aubrey Modiba and Thapelo Morena.
The substitutions paid off nine minutes into the second half when Lucas Ribeiro delivered a precise long ball into the box.
Jayden Adams cushioned a clever header to Peter Shalulile, who calmly slotted the ball home from close range, sending the crowd into celebration.
Esperance missed the chance to score a crucial away goal, which may impact their chances in the return leg.
Cardoso told The Citizen he was pleased with his team’s defensive resilience and their ability to secure a clean sheet at home.
The result avenged Sundowns’ elimination by Esperance at the same venue last season, sparking jubilant celebrations from the home supporters.
The second leg will take place next Tuesday at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Tunis, where Sundowns will aim to protect their narrow lead and Esperance will look to overturn the deficit in pursuit of a semifinal berth.
