CAFCL: Esperance bank on faith ahead of Sundowns clash

Esperance Sportive de Tunis delegation arrived in South Africa on Thursday full of faith ahead of Saturday’s CAF Champions League (CAFCL) clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 holders have a disadvantage having lost 0-1 at home to the Betway Premiership serial champions last Sunday.

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Nonetheless, the Red and Yellow hope that their faith, mental strength and CAFCL experience would help them overcome Sundowns during the semifinal, second leg.

The Tunisian league holders’ delegation left the North African country on Wednesday via Dubai and arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday. They then proceeded to Pretoria on the same day by road.

CAFCL: Mission possible for Esperance?

Patrice Beaumelle’s side has since released a statement highlighting the importance of the CAFCL semifinal, second leg match scheduled for Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

“The mission promises to be difficult against a solid and experienced team, but it is far from being out of reach for a group that has often been able to draw on its mental resources to accomplish great feats,” reads Esperance de Tunis statement.

Esperance draw inspiration from supporters

The North African giants are also drawing inspiration from their army of supporters who are flocking to South Africa to witness what appears mission impossible.

“This faith in a possible turnaround is also shared by the fans,” adds the statement. “Faithful among the faithful, many of them will make the trip to Pretoria to support their loved ones in this decisive meeting. A surge of favour that will not fail to galvanise teammates on the field.

“More than ever, the Sang et Or are approaching this meeting with determination, aware of the magnitude of the challenge but driven by a deep conviction: that of being able to write a new memorable page in their continental; history.

“All hopes are allowed, and it is with this intact faith that the Esperance people are waiting to vibrate, hoping for a triumphant return to Tunis, synonymous with qualification to the final.”

Match officials for CAFCL match

Depending on the aggregate score, either AS FAR or RS Berkane will date the overall winner between Sundowns and Esperance Tunis in the final.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football has released the match officials for the semifinal, second leg match:

Referee: Omar Artan (Somali)

1st Assistant Referee: Liban Ahmed (Djibouti)

2nd Assistant Referee: Stephen Yiembe (Kenya)

Reserve Referee: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)

Video Assistant Referee: Mohamed Ibrahim (Sudan)