Mamelodi Sundowns’ 1–0 win over Tunisia’s Esperance on Saturday should’ve been a celebration. Instead, the CAF Champions League clash at Loftus Versfeld ended in chaos. Bloody scenes broke out after the match as supporters from both sides clashed, with stadium barriers broken and punches thrown. Here’s what went down.
The trouble reportedly started when some Esperance fans hurled objects and tried to storm the Sundowns supporters’ section. What followed was pure mayhem — captured in several videos that quickly spread online.
But amid the violence, a moment of grace: Sundowns supporter Siboniso Masango became an unlikely hero when he saved a Tunisian fan from falling after the man got caught on a barrier while trying to flee the chaos. The dramatic moment captured on camera showed Masango pulling the stranded fan to safety. “I didn’t want to see a man die in my presence because of football,” he later said. “We were both crying.”
Watch an amazing South African Black Man saving an Esperance fan, after a fight broke out between Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance Fans! We have good in us as South Africans! pic.twitter.com/S4K62ywFjz
— Slaughter. (@BafanaSurprise) April 4, 2025
CAF hasn’t yet commented, but with tempers flaring and injuries reported, disciplinary action could be on the cards. One thing’s clear: no matter how passionate, football should never come to this. Respect to Masango for showing what true sportsmanship looks like. 💛🇿🇦
