Here we are at last! The CAF Champions League is back, and the excitement is building as the group stage officially kicks off tomorrow. Among the many enticing fixtures on the programme, one stands out for all Espérance supporters: the Group D clash between Espérance de Tunis and Stade Malien of Bamako, taking place tomorrow evening at Radès Stadium from 17:00.
For the past week, the club has fully switched into “Champions League mode.” Training sessions, tactical preparation, mental focus — every detail has been carefully addressed to approach this opening match with ambition and discipline. The preparations, however, have been affected by several absences, whether due to international duty or injuries. The omissions of Youcef Belaïli and Yan Sasse, two key figures in the team’s offensive structure, will inevitably be felt. There is no denying their absence creates a void.
But the team refuses to fall into pessimism. During today’s pre-match press conference, head coach Maher Kanzari delivered a confident and motivating message. The squad, he assured, is ready and fully committed to starting this competition in the best possible way. The available players are highly motivated and determined to fight for an important opening-day victory — one that would ignite their campaign and thrill the supporters who are expected to fill the stands in large numbers.
Tomorrow, in front of a passionate Radès crowd, Espérance will aim to impose their rhythm from the first minutes, set the tone for their group stage journey, and send a strong message to their rivals: the four-time African champions are here, focused, ambitious, and ready to rise to the occasion.
With excitement, anticipation, and determination in the air, everything is in place for a great African night in Radès. The stage is set. The Champions League is back. Now it’s time for the Blood and Gold to make us dream.