There is a lot at stake for DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns as they prepare to take on Esperance with R1 billion on offer just to qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Sundowns can still be in a position to qualify for the Club World Cup, no matter what the result might be in their CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Tunisian outfit Esperance on Friday night.
Sundowns host Esperance in the second leg semi-final in Tshwane, looking to bounce back after going down 1-0 a week ago in Tunis. Sundowns are determined to go all the way and win the Champions League, but their qualification for the 2025 Club World Cup does not depend on them winning the continental club competition.
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Africa has four open spots at the Club World Cup and as things stand, Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco have booked their places in the world showpiece by virtue of being champions of the competition in the previous two seasons.
With both sides having booked their places, there are still two spots up for grabs and Sundowns are determined to see themselves playing with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, who will be part of the 32-team tournament set to be played in the United States from June 15 to July 13 in 2025.
The easiest way for Sundowns to confirm their spot in the competition is by going all the way in the Champions League. But, should that not happen, it might not be a train smash and a lot will depend on what happens in the other semi-final between Egyptian giants Al Ahly and TP Mazembe of DRC.
Should Mazembe get knocked out of the Champions League by Al Ahly, then both Sundowns and Esperance will have their places confirmed at the Club World Cup because they are ranked higher the DRC giants. For Mazembe to qualify for the Club World Cup, they need to win the competition.
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So, even if Sundowns were to get knocked out in the semis by Esperance, they will probably qualify for the Club World Cup, as long as Mazembe does not win the competition. If Sundowns go out on Friday night, and Mazembe lose in the final, it is not absolutely clear if the Brazilians will qualify for the World Cup. That will depend on whether Mazembe will overtake Downs on points.
So, for Mazembe to make absolutely sure of their place, they will have to win the competition.
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