Espérance Sportive de Tunis hold the advantage heading into this second leg. After securing a narrow 1-0 win at home in the first encounter, the Tunisian giants travel to South Africa with a precious — but far from comfortable — lead. Mamelodi Sundowns, a side notorious for their ruthlessness on home soil, are far from done. This return fixture promises to be intense, tactical, and absolutely decisive
Match Details: Kick-off Time & TV Channels
Stadium: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 Kick-off: 13:00 GMT (14:00 Tunisian time)
Broadcasters:
- beIN Sports MENA 1 HD / beIN Connect MENA HD
- Canal+ Sport Afrique
- SuperSport
- Azam TV
Head-to-Head: A Rivalry Defined by Fine Margins
This semi-final marks the third consecutive season these two clubs have crossed paths at this stage of the competition — a remarkable statistic that speaks volumes about their dominance of African football.
And each time, the pattern is the same: few goals, high tension, and small details proving decisive. Here’s how their recent meetings have played out:
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| April 12, 2026 | CAF CLQ (1st leg) | EST 1 – 0 Mamelodi |
| April 8, 2025 | CAF CLQ | EST 0 – 0 Mamelodi |
| April 1, 2025 | CAF CLQ | Mamelodi 1 – 0 EST |
| April 26, 2024 | CAF CLQ | Mamelodi 0 – 1 EST |
| April 20, 2024 | CAF CLQ | EST 1 – 0 Mamelodi |
The numbers tell a clear story: these fixtures are rarely free-flowing, but always fiercely competitive.
Current Form
Mamelodi Sundowns: Experienced Enough to Turn the Tide
The Masandawana are appearing in their fourth consecutive CAF Champions League semi-final — a feat that reflects the club’s remarkable consistency and squad depth. Despite a packed schedule in the Betway Premiership, Sundowns can rely on the guidance of head coach Miguel Cardoso. The Portuguese tactician has a solid understanding of North African football and knows that managing the emotional intensity of this match will be just as important as the tactical battle.
Espérance de Tunis: Riding a Wave of Confidence
The Blood and Gold arrive in South Africa in superb form. Their quarter-final elimination of defending champions Al Ahly sent a powerful statement across the continent. Since Lassad Beaumelle took charge in February, the team has grown more structured and defensively resilient — all while remaining in the hunt for the Tunisian Ligue 1 title. Two fronts, one ambition.
Prediction
On home turf, Sundowns will look to dominate possession and suffocate EST from the first whistle. The real question is whether the Tunisian defensive block — so difficult to break down under Beaumelle — can hold firm for a full 90 minutes under relentless pressure.
Espérance have become experts at protecting a result. But with a roaring home crowd behind Sundowns and everything on the line, one mistake could change everything.
Prediction: 0-0 draw — which would send Espérance de Tunis through to the final.
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