Mamelodi Sundowns have drawn a challenging opponent in the quarter-finals of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League, as they face North African giants ES Tunis.
Following their second place finish in Group B, Sundowns were unseeded in the draw, which has now set up a tough encounter with Esperance in Tunisia.
This matchup is a rematch of last season’s semi-final, where the Tunisian side triumphed 2-0 on aggregate, securing their place in the final. Sundowns, the reigning PSL champions, will now be looking to exact revenge and go further in this year’s competition.
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Esperance, a club with a storied history in African football, has lifted the CAF Champions League trophy four times, though they were defeated by Egyptian giants Al Ahly in last season’s final.
The added intrigue in this tie comes from the fact that Sundowns’ current coach, Miguel Cardoso, was previously at the helm of ES Tunis when they lost to Al Ahly in the final. Now, Cardoso faces his former employers, with the pressure on him to deliver a successful campaign for Sundowns.
Sundowns, having reached the semi-finals in each of the past two seasons, are determined to go one step further this year and secure their second-ever CAF Champions League title. This ambition to push for greater continental success is one of the key reasons for the managerial changes at the club.
Manqoba Mngqithi’s departure earlier this season, along with the belief that Rulani Mokwena’s exit after last season was tied to the club’s Champions League goals, has led to Miguel Cardoso taking charge. His task is clear: to win the prestigious trophy Sundowns last claimed in 2016.
In preparation for the knockout rounds, Sundowns have strengthened their squad during the midseason transfer window, bolstering their chances of success in the quarter-finals after a group-stage campaign that saw them finish second. The team will now look to build on their squad depth and tactical adjustments to navigate what is sure to be a difficult tie against Esperance.
The first leg of the quarter-final will be hosted by Sundowns at home in South Africa, with the match set to take place between April 1 and 8, 2025. The winner of this tie will face either holders Al Ahly or Al Hilal in the semi-finals, should they progress.
Full CAF Champions League Quarter-Final Draw:
Al Ahly vs Al Hilal
Pyramids FC vs AS FAR Rabat
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Esperance
MC Alger vs Orlando Pirates