Mamelodi Sundowns secured a narrow advantage in their CAF Champions League semi-final clash with Espérance Sportive de Tunis, winning 1-0 in a tense first leg encounter in Rades.
It was a game that was marked by missed chances, VAR controversy, and a late red card.
Coming into the match, Espérance held the psychological edge, boasting a strong recent record against the South African side and riding a 10-game unbeaten run.
Sundowns, however, arrived with confidence of their own, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions.
The opening stages reflected the high stakes, with both sides cautious yet energetic.
Despite a lively tempo, clear-cut chances were limited early on.
The first real opportunity fell to Espérance in the 15th minute when Kouceila Boualia surged down the left before picking out Amin Ben Hmida, whose effort lacked the power to trouble goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns responded midway through the half after a defensive lapse by Mohamed Amine Tougaï, but Espérance recovered in time to avert the danger.
The hosts then began to grow into the game, creating the better openings before the break.
Danho came closest in the 33rd minute, striking the post with a powerful effort.
He remained a constant threat and nearly broke the deadlock again five minutes later, forcing Williams into a crucial goal-line save with a header from a corner. Despite these chances, the first half ended goalless.
Sundowns emerged from the break with renewed intent. Just a minute into the second half, Brayan León tested Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Saïd with a well-directed header.
The warning signs proved decisive minutes later.
In the 51st minute, León rose to meet a precise delivery from Morena and powered home a header to give Sundowns the lead.
It was a deserved breakthrough after their improved start to the second half.
Espérance thought they had found a way back in the 65th minute when Aboubacar Diakité pulled one back, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
However, those celebrations were short-lived as a VAR review determined there had been a foul on Williams in the build-up, and the goal was subsequently ruled out.
The drama continued late into the game. In the 84th minute, Sundowns defender Grant Kekana was shown a red card for a high boot, leaving the visitors to see out the closing stages with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Sundowns held firm to preserve their lead, taking a crucial advantage into the second leg in South Africa on April 18.
With the tie still finely balanced, both sides will believe they have everything to play for, setting up a decisive return leg.
