By Admin.
Espérance de Tunis take on Al Merreikh in Radès on Sunday, in the return leg of their CAF Champions League round of 16 tie.
Defeated 1-0 in Khartoum in the first leg, with the lone goal of the encounter scored by Alaeddine Youssef from the penalty spot in the 24th minute, the ‘Blood and Gold’ are left with no choice but to win with a two-goal cushion in Tunisia to pursue their quest for a third continental crown.
Esperance coach José De Morais said he is for Al Mereikh “The hostile environment around the first leg in Sudan made it especially difficult for us. But despite what happened on and off the pitch, our players managed to keep a very professional attitude and limit the damage,” De Morais said at a pre-match press conference on Thursday.
“Our players have prepared well and everyone is ready ahead of this crucial game which is decisive for the qualification to the group stage.“The team will know how to win with a two-goal cushion and may be more.”
The Portuguese manager should be able to count on experienced midfielder Houcine Ragued, who has recovered from an injury he suffered against AS Djerba on Sunday, while defenders Mohamed Ali Yaakoubi and Arbi Jabeur remain a doubt for Sunday’s clash.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese giants will be hoping to keep their momentum and seal their spot in the last 8 of the prestigious tournament.
“Leading after the first round is not enough, but we need to work hard and get a result in the away game,” Al Merreikh Kenyan striker Allan Wanga said.
“Esperance is an experienced side and we must be very careful when we travel for the return leg,” Ugandan keeper Salim Magoola added.
The match will kick off at Stade de Radès at 17h00 CAT on Sunday.
