Rulani Mokwena will lead his side against a tough Esperance side in the CAF Champions League second leg semi-final. Sundowns can still be in a position to qualify for the Club World Cup, no matter what the result might be in their CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Tunisian outfit Esperance on Friday night. Sundowns host Esperance in the second leg semi-final in Tshwane, looking to bounce back after going down 1-0 a week ago in Tunis.
Sundowns are determined to go all the way and win the Champions League, but their qualification for the 2025 Club World Cup does not depend on them winning the continental club competition. With both sides having booked their places, there are still two spots up for grabs and Sundowns are determined to see themselves playing with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, who will be part of the 32-team tournament set to be played in the United States from June 15 to July 13 in 2025. If Sundowns go out on Friday night, and Mazembe lose in the final, it is not absolutely clear if the Brazilians will qualify for the World Cup.
That will depend on whether Mazembe will overtake Downs on points. So, for Mazembe to make absolutely sure of their place, they will have to win the competition.