Mamelodi Sundowns and their mixed record in CAF Champions League semi-finals
Mamelodi Sundowns will confront Tunisia's Esperance in the opening fixture of their semi-final encounter on the road this Sunday, with aspirations to secure consecutive finals appearances.
In their earlier six semi-final matchups, they have claimed three triumphs and endured three setbacks, including four against North African sides, from which they have emerged victorious in just one.
This overview covers their semi-final participations throughout history.
2001 - Petro Atletico (Angola)
2-2 on aggregate; Sundowns won 5-3 on penalties
Goals from Carlo Scott and Daniel Mudau secured a victory for Sundowns in the home leg in Pretoria, but during the away match two weeks later at Estadio Cidadela, Petro equalised the overall score within 48 minutes via a brace by their Congolese forward Kapela Mbiyavanga. The contest proceeded to penalties, where John Tlale denied Petro's initial attempt, paving the way for Sundowns to advance by converting every one of their five kicks. They fell short against Al Ahly in the final showdown.
2016 - ZESCO United (Zambia)
Sundowns won 3-2 on aggregate
ZESCO United's Jackson Mwanza netted a pair in the initial leg in Ndola, positioning them for a 2-0 success until Khama Billiat netted a vital late goal for Sundowns just three minutes before full time. Anthony Laffor's early strike in the return fixture gave Sundowns the edge via away goals, and Percy Tau sealed the progression with another midway through the second half. They overcame Zamalek to lift the trophy in the final.
2018/19 - Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
Wydad won 2-1 on aggregate
Travelling for the first leg once more, Sundowns suffered a 2-1 loss despite Anele Ngcongca's effort right before the interval. Wydad's Salah Saidi and Badie Aouk found the net around that strike. Owing to that away goal, Sundowns required just one score in the home leg in Pretoria, yet Wydad's solid defence ensured a goalless draw, allowing the Moroccans to proceed.
2022/23 - Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
2-2 on aggregate; Wydad won on away goals
A rematch of the semi-final from four years prior, and Wydad prevailed again, this time via away goals advantage. The opener in Casablanca ended without goals, as Sundowns finished with nine players after red cards to Neo Maema in the 42nd minute and Marcelo Allende in added time. In the Pretoria return, Sundowns led twice courtesy of Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile, but Mothobi Mvala's 83rd-minute own goal tied it at 2-2, sending Wydad through. Sundowns appeared disorganised across both encounters.
2023/24 - Esperance (Tunisia)
Esperance won 2-0 on aggregate
Sundowns returned the next season, only to face further frustration against a resilient and structured Esperance outfit under coach Miguel Cardoso, now at Sundowns helm. Yan Sasse's lone goal delivered a 1-0 win for the Tunisians in the Tunis first leg, followed by Raed Bouchniba's strike for an identical 1-0 success in Pretoria. Sundowns were thoroughly outplayed here.
2024/25 - Al Ahly (Egypt)
1-1 on aggregate; Sundowns won on away goals
Sundowns had faced repeated setbacks against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly over time, making this success particularly gratifying. The Pretoria opener concluded 0-0, and it seemed Ahly would progress after Taher Mohamed's goal in Cairo. However, in the final moments, Sundowns induced an own goal from Yasser Ibrahim to equalise on the evening and advance on away goals. They were defeated by Pyramids in the final.