Downs Grab Vital Edge

Loftus: Goal Glutton Shalulile Bags Only Goal Against Esperance

- Katlego Modiba

Mamelodi Sundowns have taken a huge step towards the semifinals of the CAF Champions League following a 1-0 win over Esperance at Loftus Versfeld yesterday afternoon.

Peter Shalulile scored the only goal of the match in the first leg of the quarterfinal against the Tunisian champions.

It was a typical knockout tie between two heavyweights of African football, with the opening few minutes proving to be a cagey affair. Esperance were content to sit back and let Sundowns have possession, while restricting them to long-range efforts.

Teboho Mokoena stung the palms of Ben Said's hands 15 minutes into the game with a free-kick from outside the box, but the Esperance goalkeeper was equal to the task.