All attention this week has been focused on tomorrow afternoon’s crucial clash against Simba SC, counting for Matchday 4 of the CAF Champions League group stage. A trip to Tanzania is always a demanding challenge, but one that Esperance de Tunis approach with seriousness, ambition and determination.

Despite some tensions that followed the club’s recent outings, preparations have generally gone smoothly. The squad remained fully focused on the task at hand, fully aware of the importance of this fixture in the balance of the group. On Friday morning, after a final training session dedicated to fine-tuning and tactical adjustments, the Esperance delegation departed for Dar es Salaam aboard a special flight. The journey lasted nearly ten hours, and although the players arrived understandably fatigued, recovery was well managed and effective.

Today’s training session on the pitch of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was intentionally light. The technical staff opted to preserve physical freshness, ensuring the players would be in optimal condition ahead of this high-stakes encounter.

As for the squad, 23 players made the trip to Tanzania. Among them is Youssef Msakni, who had been doubtful after suffering from flu but has since recovered and is fully available. The travelling party consists of: Memmiche, Debchi, Ben Saïd, Jelassi, Elaifi, Ben Hamida, Keita, Bouzaïène, Dräger, Koudhaï, Tka, Sasse, Ogbelu, Konaté, Rafia, Guenichi, Jebali, Boualia, Jabri, Danho, Msakni, Diakité and Diarra. However, several familiar absentees remain sidelined, notably Belaïli, Ben Ali, Meriah, Tougaï and Maâcha.

The sporting stakes are clear. For Esperance, this match represents a valuable opportunity to remain firmly in contention for the top positions in the group. For Simba SC, however, it is simply a do-or-die situation. Still pointless after three matches, the Tanzanian side must secure victory and aim for a perfect run in their remaining fixtures, starting with this showdown against the Blood and Gold. The match also carries a strong sense of revenge, following Simba’s 1–0 defeat in Radès just a week ago.

An electric atmosphere is expected tomorrow at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, a true fortress capable of hosting nearly 60,000 passionate Simba supporters. Esperance, however, will not be alone. A loyal contingent of Blood and Gold fans has made the journey and will undoubtedly make their voices heard, offering invaluable support in a hostile environment.

The challenge will be tough, intense and highly contested. Yet Esperance de Tunis boast vast continental experience and know how to navigate difficult away fixtures. Free from the pressure recently felt at Radès, the team may even express itself more freely and efficiently.

Good luck to our brave Blood and Gold as they rise once again to the challenge on the African stage.