The CAF Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance ended in controversy as fan clashes marred the aftermath of Sundowns’ 1-0 victory on Tuesday.
Namibian forward Peter Shalulile scored the only goal in the 54th minute, finishing from close range after a Jayden Adams header redirected a long diagonal pass from Lucas Ribeiro at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Despite a tense match with limited scoring chances, violent clashes broke out between rival supporters in the stands, with security forced to keep Espérance fans on the pitch after a fight.
In a statement after the match, Espérance said that all their supporters in South Africa were safe and had returned to Johannesburg, with the club assisting in transportation. They also confirmed that three fans were hospitalized but are in stable condition and receiving treatment.
Espérance announced they are compiling a report detailing incidents of violence and organizational breaches at Pretoria Stadium, which will be submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Meanwhile, neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor CAF have issued a statement on the incident.
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