Esperance of Tunisia claimed a 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final match on Saturday.
In the 41st minute, Yan Sasse, 26, from Brazil scored the only goal of the game. He converted a rebound after Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams parried his first attempt. Sasse’s compatriot, Rodrigo Rodrigues, played a significant role in the goal by providing an excellent through ball to Sasse.
The goal came soon after Sundowns had a goal ruled offside, Rodrigues had hit the woodwork, and teammate Houssem Tka had another shot cleared off the goalline.
Sasse could have scored again in the second half, but a last-ditch tackle by Grant Kekana prevented him from doing so.
Visiting Sundowns failed to equalize despite Mothobi Mvala’s shot, which was saved by Esperance’s goalkeeper.
Esperance, bidding for their fifth Champions League title, held on to a narrow lead until the return leg.
Elsewhere, title-holders Al Ahly moved closer to their seventh final appearance in eight seasons by holding TP Mazembe to a goalless draw.
Ahly and Mazembe drew 0-0 in their match. Despite injuries to key players, Ahly achieved a satisfactory result.
Mazembe drew their home quarter-final match but won the return match 2-1. Ahly will host Mazembe in Cairo, and Sundowns will face Esperance on Friday.
Brazilian Sasse scores @ESTuniscom's winner against Mamelodi Sundowns@ESTuniscom claimed a 1-0 victory over @Masandawana in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semis tie on Saturday as holders @AlAhlyEnglish moved closer to their 7th final appearance in 8th season pic.twitter.com/4Su5VN202e
— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) April 21, 2024
