Mamelodi Sundowns earned a crucial 1-0 away victory over Esperance in a tense CAF Champions League semi-final first leg played in Rades on Sunday night. The result gives Sundowns a slight advantage heading into the return leg in Pretoria.
The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Brayan Leon rose highest to head home after a well-constructed team move involving Jayden Adams and Thapelo Morena. His finish proved decisive in a tightly contested game where chances were limited but intensity remained high throughout.
Esperance responded strongly after going behind and created several dangerous moments. Florian Danho came close with a powerful volley that hit the post, while the home side thought they had equalised late on, only for VAR to disallow the goal after a foul on goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in the build-up.
Sundowns remained solid defensively, with Khuliso Mudau putting in an impressive performance at right-back, making key interceptions to protect the narrow lead. Despite pressure from Esperance, the South African champions held firm until the final whistle.
The 1-0 win puts Sundowns in a strong position to reach another CAF Champions League final, but they will still need a disciplined performance in the second leg to finish the job.
