CAF Champions League: Espérance confirm injury to important attacker

Espérance Tunis have suffered another injury blow to their attack ahead of the first leg of a crucial CAF Champions League semifinal on April 18 against South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Algerian winger Kouceila Boualia will be kept out of action due to a leg injury and is set to undergo further examinations next week. Forward Chiheb Jebali’s status also remains up in the air as announced by Les Sang et Or:

“Our player, Kouceila Boualia, underwent x-ray examinations after feeling some pain in the heel of his leg. He will undergo additional monitoring tests during the next week to determine the date of his return to training.

On the other hand, our player Chehab Jibali suffered a back and ankle injury during yesterday’s match, and he will undergo the necessary x-ray examinations tomorrow.”

The Tunisian champions continue to deal with multiple injuries, especially to their attack. Boualia, acquired from Algerian giants JS Kabylie ahead of the current season, has been instrumental with eight goals and three assists in all competitions during the ongoing campaign. He was absent for the Tunisian Classico on Saturday against rivals Étoile du Sahel, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

After five months out of action due to a long-term injury, Boualia’s compatriot Youcef Belaïli returned to training this week with EST. However, even considering the need for time to return to match fitness, the controversial forward was handed a one-year suspension by FIFA in March for using forged documents in a dispute with former club AC Ajaccio during his time in France.

Jebali was involved in the derby over the weekend but appears doubtful for the Champions League semifinal first leg.

The situation leaves Espérance in a difficult situation but there are capable options available. Powerful French striker Florian Danho will be an important player and showed signs of progress with a crucial goal in the quarterfinal second leg victory at Al Ahly after struggling to meet high expectations.

GOOOOOAAAAAL ⚽️

Florian Danho equalizes for Esperance against Al Ahly in their CAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg clash!!!

🇪🇬 Al Ahly 1-1 Esperance 🇹🇳 (AGG 1-2)#TotalEnergiesCAFCL #CAFCL #CAFChampionsLeague

pic.twitter.com/hnH9lLXVBF

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) March 21, 2026

The remaining attacking options for EST include promising and young West Africans. Ivorian playmaker Abdramane Konaté featured in both legs against Al Ahly but the 19-year-old remains rather inconsistent with his goal contributions despite promise. Another 19-year-old, Malian Aboubacar Diakité, could also play a role as well as Burkinabé forward Jack Diarra.

But coach Patrice Beaumelle will certainly lean on Danho as well as Brazilian Yan Sasse, a player known for his ability on set pieces. The strong defense of EST will also need to be at its best, led by Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai.