Mamelodi Sundowns are set to make their seventh appearance in the CAF Champions League semi-finals this Sunday, as they travel to Tunisia to face Esperance. The clash marks the fourth consecutive season the South African giants have reached the final four, a streak that underlines their dominance on the continent despite a checkered history at this penultimate stage.
The “Brazilians” currently hold a balanced semi-final record, having secured three aggregate victories and suffered three defeats in their previous six attempts. Notably, North African opposition has proven to be a recurring stumbling block; Sundowns have lost three of their four semi-final encounters against teams from the region.
Sundowns’ history in the semi-finals began in 2001 with a narrow escape against Angola’s Petro Atletico. After a 2-2 aggregate draw, a flawless penalty shootout anchored by goalkeeper John Tlale propelled them to their first final. They replicated this success in 2016 against Zambia’s ZESCO United. Trailing 2-1 after the first leg, goals from Anthony Laffor and Percy Tau in the return fixture secured a 3-2 aggregate win, paving the way for their historic continental title against Zamalek.
However, recent years have been defined by heartbreak at the hands of Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca. In both the 2018/19 and 2022/23 campaigns, Sundowns were eliminated by Wydad. The latter exit was particularly stinging; despite goals from Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile, a late own goal in Pretoria saw them exit on the away-goals rule.
The club’s struggles against North African tactics continued in the 2023/24 season when they were systematically dismantled by Esperance. The Tunisian side, led by Miguel Cardoso, secured 1-0 victories in both legs to advance 2-0 on aggregate.
Sundowns found redemption in the 2024/25 season during a thrilling encounter with Egyptian titans Al Ahly. After a scoreless first leg, Sundowns snatched a dramatic away-goals victory in Cairo thanks to a last-minute own goal by Yasser Ibrahim.
As Masandawana prepares to face Esperance once more, head coach Manqoba Mngqithi will be acutely aware of the tactical discipline required. With the first leg away from home, Sundowns aim to break their North African hoodoo and secure a path toward their second elusive Champions League crown.