TUNIS – After starting the first leg on the bench, Zimbabwe national team left back Divine Lunga delivered a stellar performance on Tuesday evening as his Mamelodi Sundowns side secured a place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals by eliminating Tunisian giants Esperance.
The second leg ended in a goalless draw, with Sundowns progressing on a 1-0 aggregate victory from the first leg.
Sundowns survived late in the match when Esperance had a goal disallowed for offside following a thorough VAR review.
Lunga was outstanding throughout the match, earning high praise from commentators whenever he had the ball.
The former Golden Arrows defender put in a Man of the Match performance, making key clearances, executing perfectly timed tackles, maintaining possession with simple two touch play and contributed effectively during attacking transitions.
Coach Miguel Cardoso, who opted to start Aubrey Modiba in the first leg, was probably pleased with his decision to start Lunga, who outshone Esperance’s attackers, particularly in the first half.
Namibian international Peter Shalulile, who scored the decisive goal in the first leg, also impressed, as did Lucas Ribeiro and Marcelo Allende, with the latter striking the crossbar just before halftime.
Esperance came close to leveling the tie early into the match through Youcef Belaili, but veteran goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a crucial save.
Sundowns will now meet Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the semi finals as their quest for continental glory continues.
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