Espérance de Tunis winger Jack Diarra has expressed confidence that his side can produce a stunning comeback against Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld.
Sundowns claimed a narrow advantage in the first leg, but Diarra is refusing to accept that Masandawana hold the upper hand heading into the return fixture at Loftus Versfeld.
“It’s a football game so they beat us at home, but remember we beat Al Ahly away, so I think it’s possible, actually I believe with my teammates, I believe with them it’s possible that we can do it again and beat Mamelodi Sundowns here in Pretoria,” Diarra said.
The winger drew on Espérance’ impressive result against Egyptian giants in the quarter-finals as evidence that his side are capable of delivering on the road when it matters most, and he pushed back firmly against any suggestion that Sundowns carry a greater weight of experience or quality.
“No, no, why? You think Sundowns is better than us? They have their way of doing things, and we have our own way — they are not more experienced than us, I don’t believe that,” he said.
Espérance need to score at least once in Pretoria to keep their hopes alive, while a draw would be enough to send the tie to extra time. Sundowns, meanwhile, will be looking to protect their advantage and book a place in the final on home turf.
The game kicks off in the nation’s capital on Saturday afternoon (15h00).
