Espérance de Tunis are set to face a crucial test in their African campaign tomorrow afternoon. As part of Matchday 5 of the CAF Champions League group stage, the Blood and Gold will take on Stade Malien de Bamako at the 26 Mars 1991 stadium, in a clash that could well determine the final hierarchy of Group D.
The Tunisian champions arrived in Bamako on Friday evening after a long and demanding journey. Despite the fatigue inherent to such a trip, the squad benefited from optimal travel conditions thanks to a special chartered flight arranged by the club’s management, with the clear objective of placing the players in the best possible environment ahead of this decisive encounter.
Upon arrival, a well-managed recovery program and light training sessions proved beneficial for the group. Preparation was completed this afternoon with a final training session held on the pitch of the 26 Mars stadium itself, the venue of tomorrow’s match. A focused and disciplined session that reflected the seriousness and determination within the squad.
A total of 24 players made the trip to Bamako, namely: Memmiche, Debchi, Ben Saïd, Meriah, Jelassi, Elaifi, Ben Hamida, Keita, Koudhaii, Dräger, Araar, Tka, Sasse, Ogbelu, Konaté, Rafia, Guenichi, Jebali, Hadj-Ali, Boualia, Jabri, Danho, Diakité and Diarra.
Three players are absent from this fixture: Youssef Msakni for family reasons, Mohamed-Amine Tougaï who is still recovering from injury, and Elias Bouzaïène due to technical choices. The major boost for the Blood and Gold is the return of captain Yassine Meriah, who is even expected to start the match, bringing with him leadership, experience, and defensive solidity.
The stakes could not be higher. Tomorrow’s match carries decisive importance for both teams, as it is likely to determine who will finish top of Group D. Today’s 1–1 draw between Petro Atlético and Simba SC has — barring a major surprise on the final matchday — significantly increased the qualification prospects of both Espérance de Tunis and Stade Malien. A good result tomorrow could almost secure qualification to the next round.
With their vast continental experience, Espérance de Tunis have the tools and mentality required to achieve a positive result in Bamako. The task will be anything but easy, however. Matches played in Mali have historically been tough challenges, often marked by intense atmospheres and physical battles.
Yet when it comes to decisive African nights, the Blood and Gold know how to rise to the occasion, cope with adversity, and deliver when it matters most. Tomorrow offers another opportunity to prove it.
Good luck to our valiant Blood and Gold.