“It’s Not Over Yet. It’s Only Half-Time” – Denis Onyango Delivers Stern Warning Ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns Return Leg

“It’s Not Over Yet” – Mamelodi Sundowns FC Secured 1‑0 First‑Leg Advantage in CAF Champions League Semi‑Final.

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The weekend saw Mamelodi Sundowns FC earn a hard‑fought 1‑0 victory over Esperance in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi‑finals, played at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, setting the stage for an electrifying return leg.

Colombian forward Brayan Leon headed home Thapelo Moreno’s precise cross, giving Mamelodi Sundowns the solitary strike that propelled them to a first‑leg advantage. Esperance believed they had equalized through substitute Aboubacar Diakite, but the VAR intervened and disallowed the goal for illegal use of the arm on Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwens Williams.

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In the 84th minute, Mamelodi Sundowns were reduced to ten men when defender Grant Kekana was sent off by Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal for serious foul play on 25‑year‑old French forward Florian Danho, adding pressure to the South African side.

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango delivered an inspiring post‑game address, emphasizing that the tie is far from decided. “It’s not over yet. It’s only half‑time,” Onyango declared. “We are in the lead, but we can’t take them for granted, especially after they won away in Egypt against Al Ahly. We know they are a fighting team with the quality to score goals. We also have quality players, pace, and an attacking threat.”

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Onyango also rallied the fans, urging the Yellow Nation to fill Loftus Versfeld Stadium for the return leg. “It’s always fantastic when we play in Tunisia, the supporters come in numbers, they love their team, they push them. But we also have our own supporters; the Yellow Nation will come out in numbers in Pretoria. We believe that will push us to the finish line and help us go all the way to the final.”

The match atmosphere turned ugly when a barrage of objects were thrown onto the pitch, forcing match officials to be escorted off for safety. The return leg is scheduled for Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on June 18th.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC hold a slender 1‑0 advantage heading into the return leg, but Esperance’s formidable quality and passionate support make the upcoming clash a must‑watch showdown. The semi‑final promises an intense battle, with the victor earning a place in the CAF Champions League final.