Facing a Nigerien Team with No Continental Traditions, "Sang et Or" Can Take the Lead in Niamey
The "Sang et Or" delegation arrived in Niamey on Friday evening at 9:00 PM from Tunis on a military plane, a flight that lasted just over six hours. After completing the entry formalities on Nigerien territory, the delegation headed to their hotel.
Yesterday, the team held their only training session scheduled during their stay in the Nigerien capital, on the pitch of the Stade Général Seyni Kountché, which will host this afternoon's match against the Association Sportive des Forces Armées Nigériennes (AS-FAN) for the first preliminary round of the Champions League.
In fact, Espérance's opponent today has no traditions in Africa and is practically a novice. Moreover, Yassine Meriah and his teammates are capable of taking the lead in anticipation of the return leg, next Saturday in Radès (6:00 PM). Winning this afternoon against AS-FAN is within the reach of the Tunisian champion, who, on paper, is able to secure their qualification to the next round as early as today.
It is sufficient for them to play according to their usual style and face the unpredictable factors related to the climate, in addition to the fact that Espérance is playing on unfamiliar ground. However, Yassine Meriah's teammates have the required experience to handle this.
Without Youssef Belaïli
In preparation for the trip to Niamey, the "Sang et Or" coach called up 21 players. One player, and not the least, is missing from the trip: Youssef Belaïli, who has come down with a cold.
That being said, Abdramane Konaté, who is part of the traveling squad, is ready to replace Youssef Belaïli. With the great form shown by Onuche Ogbelu, who provides solutions with his decisive passes, not to mention Kouceila Boualia, who has left a good impression in his championship appearances and is waiting to confirm his potential in the Champions League, the offensive compartment should not suffer from Belaïli's absence. Additionally, Maher Kanzari can also count on the contributions of Chiheb Jebali and Houssem Tka to help Achref Jabri find the path to the goal.
In defense, we note the return of Mohamed Amine Tougaï, who was spared during the last championship match against ESM.
