Mamelodi Sundowns Prepare for CAF Champions League Semi‑Final Second Leg
On Saturday, 18 April 2026, Mamelodi Sundowns will host Esperance de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld for the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi‑final. Kick‑off is scheduled for 15:00 SAST, with the match broadcast on SuperSport 209 and SABC 1. The Brazilians hold a slender 1‑0 advantage from the first leg in Tunis, thanks to a late strike by Brayan León.
Team News: Modiba Returns, Kekana Misses Out
Head coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed that left‑back Aubrey Modiba will be available after serving a one‑match suspension for the trip to Tunisia. Modiba’s return is expected to shore up the flank that was exposed when Divini Lunga struggled in the first encounter.
Conversely, influential central defender Grant Kekana will be absent due to suspension. Cardoso indicated that Khulumani Ndamane will most likely partner with Keanu Cupido in the heart of the defence. Cupido, who played a more advanced role against Esperance, will drop deeper to provide defensive stability.
Defensive Reshuffle: Ndamane Partners Cupido
Speaking to the club’s media team, Ndamane acknowledged the loss of Kekana but expressed confidence in the squad’s depth:
“The unavailability of Grant Kekana hurts us a lot. In the first leg everyone saw that he is a player with a lot of experience, but we have other people who can take his place and we will see how it goes.”
Ndamane added that listening to senior teammates and the coaching staff has eased his transition after joining from TS Galaxy a few months earlier.
Bench Depth and Tactical Options
Cardoso can call upon a blend of experience and youth from the bench. Notable options include:
- Denis Onyango – veteran goalkeeper with multiple CAF Champions League appearances
- Fawaaz Basadien – versatile midfielder capable of breaking lines
- Tashreeq Matthews – attacking winger known for pace and creativity
- Nuno Santos – Portuguese‑born centre‑back offering composure
- Kabelo Ntsabeleng – energetic box‑to‑box midfielder
- Themba Zwane – seasoned playmaker and former African Footballer of the Year nominee
- Iqraam Rayners – forward with a knack for late‑game goals
This depth allows Cardoso to shift between a more conservative 4‑2‑3‑1 setup or push for an extra attacker should a goal be required.
Esperance de Tunis: Threat and Key Players
Under coach Patrice Beaumelle – a two‑time Africa Cup of Nations winner as assistant to Hervé Renard – Esperance remains a formidable opponent. Beaumelle’s side relies on a disciplined back‑line marshalled by Bechir Ben Said and Mohamed Tougai, while the creative thrust often comes from Onuche Ogbelu, Abdramane Konate and Florian Danho.
Despite trailing 1‑0 from the first leg, Esperance possesses the quality to overturn the deficit, particularly if they can exploit any lapses in Sundowns’ defensive reshuffle.
Other Semi‑Final: AS FAR Holds Edge Over RS Berkane
In the second semi‑final, Moroccan side AS FAR travel to the second leg with a 2‑0 lead over RS Berkane. The match is set for Saturday evening, adding further intrigue to the CAF Champions League weekend.
Looking Ahead: What a Win Means for Sundowns
A victory or even a draw at Loftus would see Mamelodi Sundowns reach the CAF Champions League final for the second consecutive year. It would also mark Miguel Cardoso’s third appearance in the competition’s decider, underscoring his growing reputation on the continental stage.
With the squad’s blend of returning talent, tactical flexibility, and the passionate support of a sea of yellow at Loftus, Sundowns enter the second leg poised to defend their narrow advantage and pursue continental glory.
