A WIN over the stubborn Esperance puts Mamelodi Sundowns on greater advantage.
Downs’ beat the visiting team 1-0 through a beauty of a goal from on –form striker and Namibian star Peter Shalulile, in the second half, during the CAF Champions League encounter.
Midfielder Lucas Ribeiro’s connected with Adams, who headed towards Shalulile to coolly slot home from close range, much to excitement from the blue and yellow fans.
To tell the truth, Esperance tried to play what is called ‘parking the train’ but it did not work to their plan, and instead they conceded a goal from what seemed like a switch-off from their defence.
Coach Miguel Cardoso could be seen irritated on the touchline at times as his troops kept losing the ball in the 18-area of Esperance.
But maintaining a clean sheet home should be good for Cardoso and skipper Ronwen Williams.
Both teams will face each other on the return leg at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Tunis next week Tuesday.
The same Esperance, who had a handful fans at the stadium, knocked out Downs’ out of Africa’s club competition at the same venue last season.
The second Quarter-finals round will be more physical, hostile, fierce and deadly come next week!
Should Downs’ win, they book themselves a place in the semis.
Image supplied (Downs elbowed the visiting Esperance 1-0 at Loftus this afternoon).
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates will face MC Alger later this evening.
Buccaneers will face the Algerian giants in a CAF Champions League quarter final first-leg clash at Stade du 5-Juillet-1962 in Algiers this evening (kick-off is at 9pm).
