Espérance Sportive de Tunis is set to face a major challenge this Saturday evening, hosting Mamelodi Sundowns for the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final. A continental clash that promises to be fiery, especially as the Rades Stadium will be packed for the occasion.
After the draw conceded in the league against US Monastir, the Blood and Gold have quickly turned the page. Aware that they were not at their best, the players and staff have decided to transform this underperformance into a source of motivation. They are unanimous: they must redeem themselves in front of their home crowd, in a Rades Stadium that will be sold out.
A united and determined group
Training resumed at Parc B on Monday in a serene and studious atmosphere. The closed-door training decreed by coach Cardoso has allowed the players to focus fully on the set objective: to win in front of their fans and take an option on qualification for the final.
The entire group is complete and in good shape, including the Brazilian Yan Sasse, who missed the Monastir match due to a minor injury. His return to training on Tuesday reassures the squad and shows the fighting spirit that reigns within the club.
Popular enthusiasm
The mobilization of the supporters is also at its peak. All tickets put on sale this morning were sold out in a few hours, proof of the immense enthusiasm generated by this semi-final. A Rades Stadium full to its maximum authorized capacity awaits the players on Saturday evening to push them towards victory.
An undecided clash
For their part, Mamelodi Sundowns also had a disappointing result in the league on Monday, drawing 2-2 with Moroka Swallows. The South Africans arrived in Tunis yesterday. They have already taken up their quarters in the Tunisian capital and have started their preparation for this first leg of the semi-final.
The match promises to be undecided between two high-quality teams. Espérance de Tunis, with its experience and its home crowd, will have the advantage of the field. But Mamelodi Sundowns is a formidable team that will absolutely want to bring back a good result from Tunis before the return match.
The appointment is therefore made for Saturday evening at 8:00 pm at the Rades Stadium for a match that promises to be rich in emotions. Good luck to our valiant Blood and Gold!