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Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage
Dumisani Koyana

Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns’ XI to face Esperance in Caf Champions League - Miguel Cardoso to drop Lucas Ribeiro Costa?

With a slender lead heading to Tunisia, the Spanish coach hopes his side can finish the job and secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Tunisia with a slender one-goal lead after edging Esperance in the first leg. The Brazilians know the job is far from done and will need a disciplined performance to close out the tie. Head coach Miguel Cardoso is banking on his side’s ability to manage the game under pressure.

All eyes will also be on him, who returns to familiar territory. Cardoso previously worked with Esperance but now finds himself in a different role, hoping to eliminate his former employers.

GOAL picks a potential XI that Cardoso could help line up against his old side. A place in the Caf Champions League semi-finals is at stake, and Sundowns are determined to finish what they started.

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  • Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns, January 2025.BackPagePix

    GOALKEEPER: Ronwen Williams

    His leadership and big-game experience make him vital in goal, especially away from home.

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  • Khuliso Mudau, Mamelodi Sundowns, March 2025Backpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK: Khuliso Mudau

    His pace and defensive tenacity offer both security at the back and attacking support down the right flank.

  • Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    LEFT-BACK: Aubrey Modiba

    Brings balance with his work rate, overlapping runs, and ability to deliver dangerous crosses from the left.

  • Grant Kekana, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Grant Kekana

    A reliable and composed figure in defence who reads the game well and keeps things organized under pressure.

  • Lucas Suarez, Mamelodi Sundowns, February 2025Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Lucas Suarez

    In great form and capable of producing something special at the back and his aerial ability will be in use.

  • Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena

    Controls the tempo in midfield and is key to breaking up opposition play while launching counterattacks.

  • Menzi Masuku, Golden Arrows & Marcello Allende, Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2024BackPagePix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Marcelo Allende

    Adds flair and technical quality in midfield, capable of picking out key passes and dictating play.

  • Jayden Adams, Mamelodi Sundowns, February 2025.BackPagePix

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Jayden Adams

    Young and fearless, he brings energy, intensity, and a willingness to press high in key moments.

  • Lucas Ribeiro Costa & Siphesihle Mkhize, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Sekhukhune UnitedBackpagepix

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Lucas Ribeiro

    Offers creativity and the ability to unlock tight defences with his clever movement and vision.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter ShalulileBackpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Peter Shalulile

    A proven goal-scorer with a tireless work ethic who can be the difference-maker on the night.

  • Iqraam Rayners Mamelodi SundownsBackpagepix

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Iqraam Rayners

    His pace and sharp movement off the ball make him a threat in transition and in behind the defence.