Esperance Coach Warns Players Ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns Clash Amid Yanga SC VAR Controversy

• Mamelodi Sundowns will take on Esperance of Tunisia in the CAF Champions League semi-final
• Coach of the Tunisian outfit, Miguel Cardoso, has told his boys it will be a different ball game
• The tactician is speaking amid the VAR controversy involving Young Africans against Sundowns

Esperance of Tunisia head coach, Miguel Cardoso, has warned his players ahead of their CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Tunisian outfit booked a ticket to the last four after seeing off Asec Mimosa 4-2 on post-match penalties in Ivory Coast on Saturday evening.

After 180 minutes of football over two legs, the score line remained goalless, but Esperance went on to win via spot kicks.

It was the same case in the quarter-final clash involving Mamelodi Sundowns and Tanzanian outfit, Young Africans.

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The fixture ended in controversy after Aziz Ki's second-leg goal was ruled out, as referee and VAR officials claim the ball did not cross the line.

Sundowns went on to win via a penalty shootout, leaving Yanga SC's boss fuming as the club officially protest alleged match-fixing to the Confederation of African Football.

Esperance's coach, Miguel Cardoso, understands that the tie against the Brazilians will be a totally different ball game. He said via Es Tunis:

“The work continues. Be ready to face Sundowns in two weeks. It will be a different story, but we are confident in our abilities.”

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Meanwhile, Yanga SC have formally filed a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their elimination from the Champions League.

The action stems from Sundowns' victory which was decided by penalties, handing them the semi-final ticket.

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Yanga's contention revolves around an alleged match-fixing incident during their clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.

Why VAR overruled Aziz Ki's goal

Sports Brief earlier reported that a former FIFA referee and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official, Jerome Damon, has aired his opinion on why Young Africans’ goal against Mamelodi Sundowns was ruled out.

Yanga SC coach Manuel Gamondi was left fuming during the post-match conference, claiming his side was robbed.

Reacting to the situation, VAR expert Damon said:

“Without GLT (Goal line technology) it’s impossible for VAR to say goal or no goal – one can speculate either way but cannot be 100% sure.