Tunisian side Espérance Sportive de Tunis secured a slender 1-0 advantage after the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades.The crucial goal came four minutes before halftime when Brazilian striker Yan Sasse rounded goalkeeper Ronwen Williams before slotting into an empty net following a clever through ball from Rodrigo Rodrigues.##NAJAVA_MECA_8045381##Despite Sundowns creating several chances to equalize in the second half, the Tunisian side held firm to take a lead into next week’s second leg in Pretoria.Sasse missed an opportunity to double Esperance Tunis’ lead in the 63rd minute after hesitating in front of goal. Sundowns had the ball in the net midway through the first half, but Aubrey Modiba’s finish was disallowed for offside.After the break, Peter Shalulile went close for the visitors before Themba Zwane’s fierce drive was brilliantly saved by Esperance keeper Amanallah Memmich. The Tunisian shot-stopper was called into action again late on, pushing Thapelo Morena’s powerful strike over the bar as Sundowns pressed for a crucial away goal.However, Esperance, aiming to win the Champions League for the fifth time, stood firm to take a narrow lead into the return leg.In the other semi-final, reigning African champions Al Ahly SC held former champions TP Mazembe to a goalless draw in Lubumbashi on Saturday afternoon in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. The hosts had the best chances but were frustrated by solid defending from the record champions, who now carry the advantage to Cairo ahead of next week’s return leg.Miheso gears up for crucial Mashemeji Derby showdown
