Sports - Esperance Look To Defend African Champions League Title
Esperance are tipped to retain their African Champions League crown when they host Al Ahly in Saturday's return leg of the final. The...
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Esperance are tipped to retain their African Champions League crown when they host Al Ahly in Saturday's return leg of the final.
The Tunisian side start as favourites despite missing several key players against the Egyptian giants.
The holders were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Al Ahly a fortnight ago.
However, the result came at a great cost as Harrison Afful and Sameh Derbali picked up their second bookings and are suspended for the second leg.
Midfielder Majdi Traoui has also been ruled out on account of a training ground injury, which required surgery and will sideline him for several weeks.
Esperance are also sweating on the fitness of star forward Youssef Msakni, who underwent an appendicitis operation on the eve of the first leg final in Alexandria.
Esperance only need a clean sheet at home to win back-to-back Champions League titles.
That would see the Tunis-based outfit join an elite class of clubs which include Enyimba, Al Ahly and TP Mazembe.
The holders were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Al Ahly a fortnight ago.
However, the result came at a great cost as Harrison Afful and Sameh Derbali picked up their second bookings and are suspended for the second leg.
Midfielder Majdi Traoui has also been ruled out on account of a training ground injury, which required surgery and will sideline him for several weeks.
Esperance are also sweating on the fitness of star forward Youssef Msakni, who underwent an appendicitis operation on the eve of the first leg final in Alexandria.
Esperance only need a clean sheet at home to win back-to-back Champions League titles.
That would see the Tunis-based outfit join an elite class of clubs which include Enyimba, Al Ahly and TP Mazembe.
