After a Mid-Week Setback, Espérance de Tunis Looks to Secure CAF Champions League Group Stage Berth
The team is expected to win with style and secure their qualification for the group stage of the CAF Champions League while managing their efforts.
Recent Performance and Coaching Debate
The draw conceded last Wednesday against ES Zarzis has reignited the debate about the need for a coaching change, putting pressure on Maher Kanzari's shoulders. However, Kanzari, who took over the team in September last year, has won three titles: the Tunisian championship, cup, and supercup. As a seasoned technician, Kanzari is accustomed to living with constant pressure, having played for and worked as an assistant coach at Espérance de Tunis before taking the reins in 2013 and returning to the position on March 17.
Upcoming Match Against Rahimo
Kanzari is expected to convince against the Burkinabé team Rahimo, which did not demonstrate much in the first leg. However, in the absence of key players and given the challenging climate conditions, with suffocating heat and a humidity level of 47%, Espérance de Tunis settled for a narrow victory in Ouagadougou, preferring to save their best for this afternoon's match.
Injury Update
Youssef Belaïli and Mohamed Amine Tougaï have resumed training, but with a light pace. Belaïli will need to be spared today and given playing time, while Yan Sasse requires another week to 10 days of convalescence. The infirmary is still occupied, with Aboubacar Diakité, who suffered an ankle sprain, needing to be spared. Florian Danho, who experienced pain, is doubtful and may start on the bench, with Ahmed Bouassida potentially taking his place. Achref Jabri is expected to start the match.
Probable Lineup
The probable lineup includes: Ben Saïd, Keita, Laifi (Ben Hmida), Jelassi, Meriah, Ogbelu, Tka, Jebali (Guenichi), Boualia, Jabri, and Konaté. With these new injuries, the technical staff must manage the team's roster effectively to avoid further injuries and reconcile with the public.
