Mamelodi Sundowns will be up against a side with almost similar ambitions in Esperance de Tunis, in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, as expressed by head coach Miguel Cardoso.
Esperance set up a meeting with Sundowns in the CAF Champions League semi-finals after also needing penalties to knock out ASEC Mimosas 4-2 in the quarter-finals after a goalless draw on aggregate.
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Like the Brazilians, who owe much of their success to the investment made by billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe, Cardoso dedicated their qualification to the next round to President Hamdi Meddeb for the financial investment he has made towards the club, as they switch their focus to facing the Tshwane giants.
"It was a very difficult match against a very well-organized ASEC Mimosas team. The two teams have different styles of play, but each its own qualities. Our opponent was able to figure out how to oppose us," Cardoso said, per the club's official website.
"I thank my players who applied themselves well and made the dream of our supporters possible. They showed solidarity and courage throughout the game.
"I know that the president has invested a lot in putting together this team, so I take this opportunity to dedicate this qualification to him. And on a personal level, I'm very happy to have contributed to it," he continued.
Esperance will be looking to improve on their showing last season after they were humiliated 4-0 on aggregate by Al Ahly in the semi-finals.
"The work continues to be ready in two weeks' time against Sundowns. It's going to be a different story, but we're confident in our abilities," Cardoso added.
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Rulani Mokwena's charges will also be eager to go a step further and reach the final after they were knocked out in the semi-finals last season by a narrow margin of the away goals rule by Wydad Casablanca.
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