Why Mamelodi Sundowns’ Win Over Espérance De Tunis Is Bad News for Orlando Pirates

• Mamelodi Sundowns' good run of form in both the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League continued this weekend
• The Brazilians are said to have killed two birds with one stone with their first-leg semi-final win over Esperance in Tunisia
• A football expert, while chatting with Briefly News, explained how Sundowns' win over Esperance is bad news for Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns have put one leg in the final of the CAF Champions League after defeating Esperance in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The Brazilians are still in the title race in the Betway Premiership, and they have the edge over second-place Orlando Pirates in the race as they are top of the standings.

The Pretoria giants are expected to host Esperance next weekend, and a win will put them in back-to-back finals of the CAF Champions League.

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Why Sundowns' win vs Esperance impacts Pirates

Sports journalist Uche Anuma, during an exclusive interview with Briefly News, shared how Sundowns' win over Esperance in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semis has an impact on the title race.

"Mamelodi Sundowns have done themselves a huge favour by winning the first leg of their semi-final clash against Esperance, as it would give them a balance in their approach in the Betway Premiership," he said.

"Orlando Pirates need Sundowns to drop points in their next game, but the Brazilians are more motivated to win their next match in the league."

He also talked about how several players in the Sundowns squad are built for this type of pressure and the experience they've had in situations like this in the past seasons.

"Winning the last eight league titles is not child's play, and having several players who have won the league multiple times would always be an added advantage for Sundowns in these kinds of situations," he continued.

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"They have their captain, Themba Zwane, back with them from injury, even if he's not in the starting line-up, he's a big motivation coming from the bench, he was part of the team that won all the league titles, and other players in the squad who are multiple winners.

"Losing against Esperance in the CAF Champions League semis would've thrown them off balance a little bit as the little fear of missing out on the final and paying more focus on the second leg would've set in, but they went to Tunisia to win, that's the biggest motivation they needed at this point."

It's not all over for Orlando Pirates

Anuma went on to analyse how it's not all over for Orlando Pirates in the title race, agreeing with what Abdeslam Ouaddou said after they dropped points against Richards Bay.

"There's no good coach all over the world that would give up at this point, and I agree with Ouaddou that the title race is not over, but they need to do more at this stage of the season," he added.

"They have six matches left compared to Sundowns' seven; it's just difficult competing against the kind of quality and experienced squad the Brazilians have.

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"Even if Sundowns lose the second leg against Esperance, though the chances are slim, they have the capacity to pick themselves up."

Ouaddou calls out Pirates 'boo boys'

Briefly News also reported that Ouaddou addressed Orlando Pirates fans who were booing the team against TS Galaxy in the league.

The former Marumo Gallants manager stressed that his players are fully committed every time they step onto the pitch.

Source: Briefly News