As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for Sunday’s CAF Champions League semi-final first leg against Tunisian side Esperance, they are seen by many as the favourites. However, they have historically struggled against this particular opponent.
The two teams are well-acquainted, having faced off in the Champions League for the third consecutive season. Notably, Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso was at the helm of Esperance when they eliminated Sundowns in the semi-finals of the 2023/24 season.
Sundowns sought to settle the score last season, successfully knocking the Tunisians out in the quarter-finals after Cardoso switched sides. Despite this recent victory, historical success against Esperance has been limited.
Beyond their recent knockout encounters, the teams have clashed in the group stages three times since their inaugural meeting in 2000.
Overall, they have squared off in 10 matches, with Sundowns triumphing in just two. Esperance has secured four victories, and there have been four draws, all ending in 0-0 stalemates.
In these 10 fixtures, Sundowns have netted six goals while Esperance has scored seven. However, apart from the initial two matches—where seven goals were recorded—scoring has proven difficult, with only six goals scored in the subsequent eight encounters.
Sundowns are yet to win on Esperance’s turf (D3 L2) and have recorded two victories, two losses, and one draw at home.
Head-to-Head Matches between Sundowns and Esperance
2000 Champions League Group Stage
Esperance 3-2 Sundowns
Sundowns 2-0 Esperance
2001 Champions League Group Stage
Sundowns 0-0 Esperance
Esperance 0-0 Sundowns
2017 Champions League Group Stage
Sundowns 1-2 Esperance
Esperance 0-0 Sundowns
2023/24 Champions League Semi-finals
Esperance 1-0 Sundowns
Sundowns 0-1 Esperance
2024/25 Champions League Quarter-finals
Sundowns 1-0 Esperance
Esperance 0-0 Sundowns
Compiled by SportArena.au
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