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Mdunyelwa Urges Focus as Sundowns Target CAF Champions League Final Spot Against ES Tunis
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Zuko Mdunyelwa has called for maximum concentration ahead of a decisive second-leg clash against Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.
Mamelodi Sundowns will host the crucial encounter in Pretoria on Saturday, holding a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg played in Tunis.
Sundowns Hold Slim Advantage After First Leg Win
The South African champions secured a vital away victory in Tunisia, showing resilience under pressure to take control of the tie.
With just 90 minutes remaining, Sundowns are now in a strong position to secure back-to-back final appearances if they can finish the job at home.
CAF Champions League Semi-Final Results (First Legs)
- Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Espérance Sportive de Tunis
- FAR Rabat 2-0 RS Berkane
FAR Rabat Extend Unbeaten Run
FAR Rabat strengthened their push for a place in the final with a commanding 2-0 first-leg victory over RS Berkane.
The Moroccan side extended their unbeaten run in the competition to eight matches, underlining their consistency and growing status as serious contenders.
Post-match data highlighted FAR Rabat’s defensive solidity, with no team recording more clean sheets in this season’s tournament.
They also dominated proceedings, restricting Berkane’s attacking threat, with the visitors only managing their first shot late in the first half.
Berkane’s Away Struggles Continue
For RS Berkane, the defeat further exposed their struggles on the road.
The team has now failed to score in three of their last four away defeats in the competition, leaving them with a difficult task ahead in the return leg.
Mdunyelwa: “We Are 90 Minutes Away”
Speaking ahead of the clash, Mdunyelwa stressed that Sundowns must remain focused despite their advantage.
“We are 90 minutes away from the final. It’s important to understand that the victory away in Tunisia was like a first half and the second half is the one that is important here at home in front of our supporters.”
He also highlighted the importance of squad depth:
“Everyone has a role to play… we consider ourselves as finishers. When we are on the bench, we analyse the match to know what to contribute.”
High Stakes in Pretoria
The clash is expected to be intense, with Espérance Sportive de Tunis aiming to overturn the deficit, while Mamelodi Sundowns rely on their tactical discipline and home support.
Mdunyelwa also acknowledged the demands of continental football:
“CAF Champions League is so different… it’s much more physical and demands more from the players.”
Race to the Final Intensifies
With both semi-finals delicately poised, four teams remain firmly in contention for continental glory.
Sundowns are chasing consecutive final appearances, while FAR Rabat hold a strong advantage over Berkane heading into their second leg.
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