Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis (known as "Esperanto" or "Bab Souika," one of Africa's most decorated club sides) host South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semifinal at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, Tunis. Esperance, coached by Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle, are chasing a fifth continental title and their first since 2019, having eliminated tournament favourites Al Ahly of Egypt in the previous round, while Sundowns — managed by former Esperance coach Miguel Cardoso — seek their second title after 2016 and aim to break a run of Arab club dominance that has held since 2017. The tie carries added edge as Esperance look to avenge last season's elimination at Sundowns' hands, though they head into the match without key players Youcef Belaili and Yassine Meriah through injury, and veteran Youssef Msakni following a family bereavement.