Post-Match Reaction: Esperance Sportive de Tunis Coach Maher Kanzari
Following the goalless draw between Esperance Sportive de Tunis and Stade Malien (0-0) on Saturday at the Hamadi Agrébi stadium in Radès, for the first day of the group stage (Group D) of the African Champions League, Esperance coach Maher Kanzari expressed mixed feelings of frustration and optimism.
Kanzari described the match as "a difficult game to negotiate", specifying that he and his staff expected strong resistance from the Malian club. "We had found solutions to overcome the Malian team's defensive wall, but the final touch was lacking," he stated.
The Esperance coach emphasized his team's clear dominance: "We dominated the game from start to finish and created at least seven or eight clear scoring opportunities. This draw does not reflect the commitment, application, and motivation of the players on the field."
While acknowledging the importance of a successful entry into this group stage, which he likened to a "mini-championship", Maher Kanzari remains confident for the rest of the competition. "There are still five other matches to be well prepared for and approached with more determination to finish top of our group," he concluded.
