Mamelodi Sundowns have successfully secured their place in the CAF Champions League final, overcoming Tunisian giants Esperance with a commanding aggregate score of 2-0 across two intense semi-final legs. The journey began with a crucial 1-0 away victory in the first leg at Hammadi Agrebi Stadium, a historic first-ever away win for Sundowns against Esperance Tunis. This hard-fought win saw Brayan Leon heading home in the 51st minute from a long diagonal pass by Jayden Adams, after a delivery from Thapelo Morena. The first leg was not without its challenges, as Esperance dominated large spells, with Florian Danho hitting the crossbar and Ronwen Williams making several key saves. A crucial VAR decision also denied Esperance an equalizer after a foul on Williams, maintaining Sundowns' slender lead.

Returning home to Loftus Versfeld for the decisive second leg, Mamelodi Sundowns were met by an electrifying atmosphere as the stadium was officially sold out. This overwhelming fan support was a direct response to club ambassador Tiyani Mabunda's fervent appeal for supporters to come out in numbers and create an intimidating environment. The team, under coach Miguel Cardoso, knew they would walk out to a packed stadium, with the energy and expectation firmly behind them. The importance of unity and sportsmanship was also highlighted by Sundowns, given the history and past tensions between the two clubs, assuring visitors of great hospitality.

The second leg, played on Saturday, 18 April at 15:00, saw Sundowns line up with key players including Williams, Mudau, Cupido, Ndamane, Lunga, Morena, Mokoena, Adams, Sales, Mattahews, and Leon. Esperance, under coach Patrice Beaumelle, arrived in Pretoria determined to overturn the deficit, having shown their ability on the road previously. However, the Brazilians maintained their formidable record at Loftus Versfeld, where they had remained unbeaten in CAF Champions League matches over the past two seasons.

The decisive moment of the second leg came in the 34th minute when Brayan Leon was brought down inside the box by Esperance goalkeeper Ben Said, earning a penalty. Leon's initial effort was saved, but he reacted quickest to the rebound, firing home to give Sundowns the lead on the night and put the tie beyond Esperance. Despite Esperance pushing for an equalizer, including Yan Sasse's dangerous cross hitting the crossbar, coach Cardoso's tactical adjustments, such as introducing Marcelo Allende for Arthur Sales and later Iqraam Rayners and Monnapule Saleng for Leon and Matthews, ensured tight control of the midfield and protection of their lead. Sundowns managed the closing stages with calm control, shutting down Esperance’s final push and protecting their clean sheet across both legs, securing a 1-0 victory in the second leg and a 2-0 aggregate win.