Dominant ES Tunis 'confident' ahead of Downs clash

18/04/2024 11:18

Esperance Sportive de Tunis coach Miguel Cardoso believes that his side have all the resources to knock Mamelodi Sundowns out of the CAF Champions League this weekend, with the two African giants set to do battle at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi on Saturday night.

Kick-off is at 9:00pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

ES Tunis have been in fine form as of late and currently hold a 13-point lead over Monastir in the Tunisian Ligue 1 Championship.

Prior to their 1-1 draw with Monastir in the league, ES Tunis booked their spot in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League courtesy of a 4-2 aggregate win over ASEC Mimosas.

Reflecting on the upcoming tie at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, Cardoso claimed that he and his technical team will do all the homework needed to defeat Rulani Mokwena's charges.

"We will correct our mistakes [from Monastir] as part of our preparation for this match," Cardoso said.

"The technical staff is already hard at work and we will be ready on D-Day.

"I'm confident that we have the resources to achieve great things. We need to stay focussed, stay together and give our best in every game.

"If we do that we will be difficult to stop."

After suffering a 2-2 draw against Moroka Swallows in their latest DStv Premiership encounter, Sundowns remain 13 points ahead of second-placed Stellenbosch FC, having played two games less than the Cape Winelands side.

While Downs are well on their way to claim the 2023/24 DStv Premiership title, Mokwena and company advanced to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League after their 3-2 aggregate victory over Young Africans earlier this month.

Speaking after his side's draw against the Dube Birds, Mokwena mentioned that he expected to be greeted with much hostility in Tunisia this weekend.

"I expect hostility and tough conditions. Espérance are a good team, [in fact they drew 1-all against Monastir away in the domestic league on Sunday]," Mokwena said.

"I watched a little bit with Dayle Solomons [Downs’ performance analyst] but I have to first swallow, excuse the pun, the feeling I have after this Swallows game [before analysing the Tunisians properly]."