THE FUSE

(The Post News)– Mamelodi Sundowns have officially sold out tickets for their crucial CAF Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Esperance Sportive de Tunis. The Pretoria showdown has generated massive excitement, with fans snapping up tickets in record time.

South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns will host Tunisian heavyweights Esperance Sportive de Tunis in a high-stakes encounter. Defender Keanu Cupido has highlighted the importance of the moment, calling it a dream opportunity to push for continental glory.

Andile Ncube, who is a host on Metro FM, spoke about Sundowns fans’ match attendance. “We need to talk about Sundowns supporters, how they are showing up for their team, especially in CAF games this year. We used to talk about free tickets; you don’t need free tickets to fill up the stadium. Now they are coming to stadiums, the atmosphere”

The decisive second leg kicks off at 3:00 PM on Saturday, following the first leg played on April 12 in Tunis. The match will be played at the iconic Loftus Versfeld Stadium, which boasts a capacity of over 51,000. It marks the club’s second sellout in just one week, underlining the growing excitement around the team.

Sundowns carry a slim 1-0 advantage into the second leg, thanks to a crucial away goal. With a place in the CAF Champions League final at stake, the Brazilians will look to turn their home ground into a fortress. Fans have taken to social media, promising to “paint Loftus yellow” in support of their team.

To accommodate the surge in supporters, PRASA has introduced R20 return fan trains running every 30 minutes, making transport more accessible for match-day attendees.

Highlights from the First Leg in Tunis

The first leg in Tunisia proved to be a tightly contested affair, with Mamelodi Sundowns showing resilience away from home. The decisive moment came from Bryan Leon, whose goal secured a vital 1-0 victory for Sundowns.

Sundowns displayed defensive discipline, limiting Esperance Sportive de Tunis to very few clear-cut chances. The midfield controlled the tempo, ensuring the hosts struggled to dominate possession. The result handed Sundowns a valuable away goal advantage, putting them in a strong position ahead of the second leg.

Sundown’s Eye: Historic Progress

With thousands of fans expected to create an electric atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Sundowns will be confident of finishing the job. However, four-time champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis are set to arrive with a travelling contingent of passionate supporters, determined to stage a comeback.

All African football fraternity eyes will be on Pretoria as Mamelodi Sundowns look to take one step closer to CAF Champions League glory. ES Tunis is expected to overturn the advantage, while Sundowns is expected to bury them at home.