Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance will face off in the CAF Champions League Playoffs on April 26 at 21:00 local time. This is a rematch from their previous Playoffs encounter six days ago, where Esperance emerged victorious with a 1-0 win.
Mamelodi Sundowns, also known as M. Sundowns, come into this game on a positive note after a 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in the Premier League last Tuesday. However, their defense has shown some vulnerability, with the team conceding goals in each of their last four matches.
Esperance, also referred to as ES Tunis, Espérance de Tunis, or Esperance Tunis, are in good form, riding a 16-match unbeaten streak. They are in high spirits after their recent 1-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Playoffs, and they’ll be looking to continue their solid performance in the upcoming match.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Esperance Starting Lineup: CAF Champions League Playoffs
Mamelodi Sundowns Possible Starting Line-up
based on key players and previous match against Espérance, Mamelodi Sundowns may start with the following players:
- Ronwen Williams
- Divine Lunga
- Aubrey Modiba
- Khuliso Mudau
- Mothobi Mvala
- Marcelo Allende
- Bathusi Aubaas
- Thembinkosi Lorch
- Teboho Mokoena
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa
- Peter Shalulile
It will be interesting to see if the same players start this time or if the coach opts for a different lineup.
Mamelodi Sundowns Key Players Ahead the Clash Today:
As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to face Esperance in a crucial match, several key players are expected to play a significant role in the team’s performance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players to watch:
- Ronwen Williams: The experienced goalkeeper brings a wealth of skill and composure to the Sundowns’ backline. Known for his quick reflexes and sharp shot-stopping abilities, Williams is a dependable presence in goal. His command of the penalty area and vocal leadership can be critical in organizing the defense against a potent Esperance attack.
- Khuliso Mudau: As a dynamic right-back, Mudau’s speed and energy are essential for Sundowns’ defensive and attacking transitions. He is not only solid defensively but also contributes to the offense with his overlapping runs and accurate crosses into the box. His ability to track back quickly and cover ground makes him a vital part of the Sundowns’ setup.
- Marcelo Allende: A creative midfielder with a sharp eye for goal, Allende brings flair and creativity to the Sundowns’ midfield. He is capable of unlocking defenses with his vision and precise passing, often acting as a playmaker to set up goal-scoring opportunities. His versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical roles, providing Sundowns with flexibility in their approach.
- Teboho Mokoena: Mokoena is a central midfielder known for his energy and box-to-box play. He excels in breaking up opposition attacks and quickly transitioning the ball to the attacking players. His work rate and stamina are key assets, and he often contributes to set-pieces with his accuracy and power.
- Peter Shalulile: As one of the most prolific strikers in the league, Shalulile’s goal-scoring prowess is unmatched. He has a natural instinct for finding scoring positions and is known for his clinical finishing. His movement off the ball and ability to create space make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Shalulile’s tenacity and high work rate ensure he is always pressing the opposition and looking for opportunities to score.
These players are expected to be instrumental in Mamelodi Sundowns’ strategy as they face Esperance. Their individual skills and collective teamwork will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
Espérance Sportive de Tunis Possible Starting Line-ups:
In their previous match, Espérance Sportive de Tunis started with the following players:
- Moez Ben Cherifia
- Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane
- Yassine Meriah
- Montassar Talbi
- Bilel Ifa
- Ghailene Chaalali
- Ferjani Sassi
- Hamdou Elhouni
- Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda
- Anice Badri
- Ilyes Chetti
Espérance Sportive de Tunis key Players ahead of the Clash
- Moez Ben Cherifia: The experienced Moez Ben Cherifia brings reliability to Esperance’s goalkeeping department. His quick reflexes and composure under pressure are invaluable to his team’s defense.
- Yassine Meriah: A solid central defender, Yassine Meriah is known for his physical presence and aerial prowess. He plays a significant role in maintaining a robust defensive structure.
- Ghailene Chaalali: As a central midfielder, Ghailene Chaalali is dynamic and capable of controlling the pace of the game. His work rate and ability to recover possession contribute to Esperance’s midfield dominance.
- Ferjani Sassi: With excellent passing skills and set-piece accuracy, Ferjani Sassi is a key playmaker in the midfield. His creativity allows Esperance to build their attacks effectively.
- Hamdou Elhouni: A quick and skillful winger, Hamdou Elhouni brings speed and creativity to Esperance’s attacking line. His dribbling ability and crossing accuracy make him a dangerous player in wide positions.
- Anice Badri: As a forward, Anice Badri combines versatility with a sharp goal-scoring instinct. His ability to play across different attacking roles provides Esperance with a flexible attacking option.
Head-to-Head Analysis: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Esperance
Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance have played against each other 3 times since June 2017. Here’s a summary of their head-to-head results:
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| April 20, 2024 | Playoffs | Esperance 1 – 0 Mamelodi Sundowns |
| June 22, 2017 | Group Stage | Esperance 0 – 0 Mamelodi Sundowns |
| June 2, 2017 | Group Stage | Mamelodi Sundowns 1 – 2 Esperance |
In these 3 encounters, Esperance has won twice, while the other match ended in a draw. Mamelodi Sundowns have scored 1 goal, and Esperance has scored 3 goals in total. This record indicates that Esperance holds an edge in recent history over Mamelodi Sundowns.
Recent Form: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Esperance
Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance are both coming off wins in their most recent matches. Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Sekhukhune United, while Esperance beat Mamelodi Sundowns in their last meeting. Here’s a summary of their recent performances:
Mamelodi Sundowns
- Last 20 Matches: Won 13, Lost 1, Drew 6.
- Last 6 Matches:
- Won: 4 times
- 2-1 vs. Sekhukhune United (23rd April)
- 1-1 (penalties) vs. Univ. of Pretoria (12th April)
- 0-1 vs. Cape Town Spurs (9th April)
- 0-0 (won on penalties) vs. Young Africans (5th April)
- Lost: 1 time
- 1-0 vs. Esperance (20th April)
- Drew: 1 time
- 2-2 vs. Moroka Swallows (15th April)
- Won: 4 times
Esperance
- Last 20 Matches: Won 14, Lost 1, Drew 5.
- Last 6 Matches:
- Won: 4 times
- 1-0 vs. Mamelodi Sundowns (20th April)
- 0-0 (won on penalties) vs. ASEC Mimosas (6th April)
- 1-0 vs. Club Africain (16th March)
- 0-1 vs. Etoile du Sahel (10th March)
- Drew: 2 times
- 1-1 vs. Monastir (14th April)
- 0-0 vs. ASEC Mimosas (31st March)
- Won: 4 times
Both teams have had solid performances recently, with Esperance showing a slight edge in terms of consistency. This should make their upcoming clash an exciting contest.
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