Maher Al-Kanzari, the head coach of the Tunisian club Esperance, confirmed that his team's match against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns was tactically closed, noting that the encounter did not witness any real chances for either side.

Esperance lost to Sundowns 1-0 in the first leg of the African Champions League quarter-finals, marking Al-Kanzari's official debut since taking over the team on March 17.

Al-Kanzari stated: "It was a very tactical match, and there were no real chances for either Sundowns or Esperance."

He added: "We conceded a goal at a moment when the players lost focus a bit."

He concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need to compensate in the return leg, saying: "I hope we achieve what is necessary in the return match to secure qualification to the semi-finals."

The two teams are scheduled to meet again next Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium in Hamadi Al-Aqrabi, Tunisia, where Esperance aims to overturn the result and secure a spot in the next round, while the winner of this match will face the qualifier from the encounter between Egyptian Al-Ahly and Sudanese Al-Hilal in the continental tournament's semi-finals.