Brayan Leon's penalty rebound sends Mamelodi Sundowns to the Champions League final

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (1) (0)

Leon (p) 35’

ESPERANCE 0

Sundowns win 2-0 on aggregate to reach final

Mamelodi Sundowns’ 10-year wait to seal a return to the pinnacle of African football is now one step away after reaching the final of the CAF Champions League at Loftus Versfeld in Hatfield on Saturday afternoon.

Sundowns beat Esperance 1-0 in the semi-final second leg in the nation’s capital, winning the tie 2-0 on aggregate after securing the same scoreline in the reverse leg in Tunis, Tunisia, last Sunday.

The Brazilians etched their name in the history books with this victory as it marks their second final in a row, having fallen short to Pyramids last season.

However, plaudits must go to coach Miguel Cardoso – the Portuguese has now reached his third Champions League final in as many attempts, which is why he will be eager for it to be third time lucky.

Given that they’ve been in a 10-year waiting period for a “marriage” with the Champions League, they’ll hope that now that the relationship has reached the altar – the final – they can seal it with a kiss: the crown.

That symbolism was also reflected in their gesture here. At half-time, they paraded two newlyweds on the pitch in their wedding attire, which included a Sundowns knitted shirt worn by the groom.

Granted, Sundowns didn’t get everything right to reach the final, but they did what was needed – adapting to the demands and finding a way to get the job done, with everyone pulling their weight when called upon.

This run all started with Cardoso. Backed into a corner by the absence of his first-choice defenders, Aubrey Modiba and Grant Kekana, the Portuguese had to think carefully about replacements, eventually opting for Divine Lunga and Khulumani Ndamane.

Regarded as a fringe player and new to this stage of the competition, the decision was risky, but it paid off. The duo were calm and composed on and off the ball, hardly looking out of place, with Ronwen Williams providing solid support behind them.

It has been such a smooth and dominant campaign under Cardoso that his players have answered every call. For all his flaws, Tashreeq Matthews had his moments here, nearly setting up Brayan Leon for the opener, only for the Colombian to see his effort saved by Bechir Said.

Resplendent in his casual wear – tight pants and a long-sleeve sweater – Cardoso paced up and down the touchline like a father in a maternity ward, waiting for the birth of his son. Except this time, Jayden Adams stepped up like a ‘grootman’.

Adams continued to repay the faith shown in him by Cardoso in recent weeks, breaking up Esperance’s passing rhythm while also creating opportunities. On one occasion, he threaded through balls forward, only lacking finishers in the final third.

The revival of Adams hasn’t only steered Sundowns to the final, but it is also a boost for Hugo Broos ahead of the World Cup in June. Cardoso, meanwhile, has also benefited from the arrival of Leon.

The Colombian has been instrumental in Sundowns’ continental run, scoring five goals coming into this match, including the winner against Esperance in the first leg.

In high spirits, Leon made sure of the result, calmly finishing from a rebound after his initial penalty was saved by Said. He had earned the spot-kick himself after being fouled inside the box.

Leon’s goal edged Sundowns closer to the promised land, though there was a nervy moment when Adramane Konate struck the crossbar from close range after connecting with Yan Sasse’s cross.

But that proved to be Esperance’s only real threat. Their travelling Ultras, who rallied behind the team throughout, were left disappointed as Sundowns delivered another professional performance over the two legs.

With back-to-back clean sheets in the semi-final, Sundowns will be confident of going all the way. They have to – because with Cardoso’s experience and the squad’s professionalism, simply reaching the final will not be enough this time.