CAFCL: Espérance fail to score as Sundowns sneak into semifinals

Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed their place in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League after the South African champions held on for a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their quarterfinal clash with Tunisian giants Espérance.

It was a raucous atmosphere in Tunis with Espérance supporters in full voice as their team attempted to overturn the 0-1 first leg defeat played in South Africa.

EST defender Mohamed Amine Tougai had a golden opportunity in the opening two minutes but after the Algerian got on the end of Youcef Belaïli's free kick, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made an excellent save.

Sundowns came close to getting a crucial away goal near halftime. Lucas Ribeiro fired just wide after the Brazilian was allowed to cut inside from the right wing and less than a minute later, Marcelo Allende fired a crashing long range effort that went off the crossbar.

But the major moment of the match came in the second half. A perfect long pass from EST right back Raed Bouchniba found the run of substitute forward Achref Jabri who finished over Williams. However, the goal was controversially ruled out as offsides by the narrowest of margins.

It will be a controversial moment. The VAR image was displayed for all viewers to see and was not overly convincing.

In a two-legged series where opportunities and goals came at a premium, Espérance could not find the goal they needed and Sundowns held on to advance to the semifinals. The Brazilians will next face defending champions Al Ahly who confirmed their place with a 2-0 aggregate victory over Sudan's Al-Hilal. The first leg will take place on April 18 or 19.