Mamelodi Sundowns grab away win over Esperance in African Champions League semi-finals
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TUNIS – South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns snatched a 1-0 away win at Esperance in Tunis on April 12 in the first leg of their African Champions League semi-final, with Colombian import Brayan Leon netting the key goal.
He headed home in the 51st minute from Thapelo Morena’s volleyed cross to hand Sundowns a major advantage to take home for the return leg in Pretoria on April 18.
But Sundowns, who were Champions League runners-up last season, finished with 10 men when defender Grant Kekana was sent off for a dangerous tackle in the 84th minute.
Esperance, who were unbeaten in 18 previous home games in Africa’s top club competition, thought they had an equaliser in the 70th minute when teenage substitute Aboubacar Diakite headed home.
But after consulting the VAR, referee Mustapha Ghorbal found Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had been fouled in the build-up to the goal in a let-off for the visitors.
On April 11, Royal Armed Forces beat fellow Moroccans Renaissance Berkane 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final in Rabat. REUTERS
