Mamelodi Sundowns have embarked on their latest trip to North Africa as they seek to negotiate into the CAF Champions League final keen to change their fortunes in that part of the continent.
Sundowns have a date away at Esperance in Tunis on Saturday night in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
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If playing away at Young Africans in the previous round was tough, then this will be extreme, and Sundowns know it as was confirmed by their coach Rulani Mokwena this week.
"Tough conditions against a good team," admitted Mokwena ahead of departure to Tunis.
Sundowns have been to Tunis to play Esperance thrice in this competition with their two most recent trips ending in draws.
The Brazilians were in Group C with Esperance in the 2017 Champions League and on their trip to Tunis came back with a point.
They eventually finished second in the group behind Esperance who also then came stuck in the quarterfinals.
Back in 2001, Sundowns and Esperance were also in the same group (Group A).
For the away game at Esperance, they were able to stand the heat and come back with a valuable that helped qualify for the semi-finals and ultimately the final which they lost to Al Ahly.
The previous year, the two teams were together in Group A.
Sundowns fought gallantly in Tunis but eventually ended up losing 3-2.
Back then only the group winners went through to the final and after finishing second Sundowns were eliminated with Esperance being mauled in the decider by Hearts of Oak.
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This is the fourth trip to play Esperance in Tunis and the first with Rulani Mokwena as head coach.
After Saturday's first leg, Sundowns will host the second leg next Friday.
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