Qualification Assured for Espérance
With a resounding victory in Niamey, where the "Sang et Or" won 3-0, qualification is logically assured. The return leg is expected to be a mere formality given the modesty of the opponent.
A Novice Opponent
For this preliminary round, Espérance's opponent, the Association sportive des forces armées nigériennes, is a newcomer to African competition. Moreover, the Nigerien team was unable to put up any resistance during the first leg, despite playing at home. The 3-0 victory in Niamey reflects the total dominance of the "Sang et Or", despite the absence of team dynamo Youssef Belaïli.
Konaté and Diakité Shine
Abdramane Konaté, Belaïli's replacement, performed admirably, providing the decisive passes that led to the first two goals scored by Kouceila Boualia and Aboubacar Diakité. The latter, who scored a double, is emerging as a top solution for the attack. At just 18 years old, Aboubacar Diakité needs guidance and regular playing time to fully express himself and deliver on his promise.
Key Players Return
Abdramane Konaté and Aboubacar Diakité were rested by coach Maher Kanzari in mid-week during the championship match against OB. Kouceila Boualia, who opened the scoring in Niamey, played the last 10 minutes of the OB match. This trio, responsible for the large success in the first leg, is conserving their energy ahead of today's return match, which is expected to be a simple formality.
Expected Lineup
We can expect Espérance to put on another show of force against the Nigerien team. The starting lineup is not expected to change significantly from the first leg, except possibly for the return of Youssef Belaïli, who is eager to score a goal after being denied one on Wednesday due to an offside call. Coach Maher Kanzari will likely start Aboubacar Diakité, who only played the second half of the first leg, replacing Ahmed Bouassida. On the left flank of the defense, Nidhal Laifi will replace Mohamed Amine Ben Hmida, whose return to competition has not yet been scheduled.
