CAF Champions League 2018

Esperance eye first-leg advantage as they lock horns with Etoile


Esperance eye first-leg advantage as they lock horns with Etoile in the 2018 CAF Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match. (CAF Online Photo)
Esperance eye first-leg advantage as they lock horns with Etoile in the 2018 CAF Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match. (CAF Online Photo)

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Esperance de Tunis will lock horns with Etoile du Sahel in the 2018 CAF Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunisia on Saturday.

The Blood and Gold secured their place in the quarterfinals after finishing second in Group A having collected 11 points from six games.

They have a good home record in this year's Champions League having registered four victories and one defeat.

Anice Badri, who was part of Tunisia's 2018 Fifa World Cup squad, was one of Esperance's key players in the group stage.

The 27-year-old striker has scored six times in this year's Champions League and he will look to inspire his side to victory.

The Blood and Gold, who are the current Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 champions, have won the Champions League twice.

They are hoping to go all the way and clinch this year's title.

Meanwhile, Etoile du Sahel booked their place in the quarterfinals after finishing at the top of Group D having collected 12 points from six matches.

The Jewel Coast have a decent record on the road in this year's Champions League having registered one win, one defeat and two draws.

Amine Chermiti, who was once on the books of German Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, played an important role in helping Etoile reach the last eight.

The 30-year-old striker has hit the back of the net four times in this year's Champions League and he will be keen to inspire his side to victory against Esperance.

Etoile are 10-time Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title winners and they have also won the Champions League once.

They are looking to win Africa's most prestigious club tournament for the second time this year.

The second-leg clash between Esperance and Etoile will be played on the weekend of 21-23 September.