Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has emphatically stated that the team is heading to Tunis with one goal in mind: to secure their spot in the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
The Chilean playmaker has expressed confidence in the Brazilians’ ability to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance worthy of advancing to the next stage.
Sundowns hold a precarious 1-0 lead going into the second leg of their quarter-final showdown against Esperance Sportive de Tunis. The first-leg encounter, held at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, showcased Sundowns’ resilience in a tightly contested match. Peter Shalulile emerged as the hero, netting the solitary goal that handed his team a crucial advantage.
Read: Sundowns take goal and clean sheet to Tunisia for second-leg showdown with Esperance
However, the job is far from over. Heading to North Africa presents its own set of challenges, from facing a fiercely determined Esperance side to dealing with the intense atmosphere created by the home fans. Despite this, Allende remains confident that the team has the mental and tactical fortitude to withstand the pressure and complete the task at hand.
“It was a tough Champions League match against a strong team, so I was happy with the win,” Allende told iDiski Times.
“Now, we’re fully focused on the away game. Our goal is to finish the tie and qualify for the semi-finals.”
Reflecting on the tactical approach, Allende said Sundowns are prepared for Esperance’s defensive strategy, similar to what they saw in the first leg.
“When they came to Pretoria, they sat back and waited. I think we’ll see the same again. We just have to be patient, move the ball quicker, and take our chances,” he explained.
Allende also emphasized the importance of defending set-pieces – an area where North African sides are traditionally strong.
“We knew set-pieces would be key. We put in a lot of work on that, and it paid off in the first leg,” he added. “Now we must maintain that focus. They’re at home, they have to win, and that will open up the game. It’s going to be exciting because we’re Sundowns – and we’re going there to win.”
The Sundowns camp will be relying on a combination of their defensive discipline, creative midfield play, and clinical finishing to overcome their hosts. With the stakes high and a semi-final berth within reach, the Brazilians are fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge—but also of the opportunity to solidify their place among Africa’s elite football clubs.
As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated clash, all eyes will be on Sundowns to see if they can maintain their composure and deliver a result that could propel them closer to continental glory. The decisive second leg will take place at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, with kick off set for 21h00 SAST on Tuesday evening.