Sundowns seize first‑leg advantage after hard‑fought win in Rades

Mamelodi Sundowns snapped a four‑match winless run away from home in the CAF Champions League by defeating Esperance 1–0 in a fiery semi‑final first leg in Rades on Sunday night. The result gives the South African champions a valuable platform as they aim to reach a second consecutive continental final, though a demanding second leg awaits in Pretoria on Saturday.

The decisive moment arrived six minutes after the restart when Colombian forward Brayan Leon reacted quickest in the box to nod home from close range. His goal capped a disciplined and resilient Sundowns display in a match marked by intensity and physical battles.

Should Sundowns complete the job at home, they appear likely to meet FAR Rabat in the final, with the Moroccan side holding a strong position in the other semi‑final. For now, the Brazilians carry a narrow but significant advantage into what promises to be a tense return leg.