Esperance head coach Patrice Beaumelle has insisted his team will approach their upcoming CAF Champions League quarter-final clash against Al Ahly with maximum intensity as preparations intensify for one of the most anticipated ties of the tournament.
The Tunisian giants are set to host the Egyptian record champions in the first leg at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades on March 15. before travelling to Cairo for the return fixture on March 21.
Beaumelle stressed that Esperance must take full advantage of playing the opening match in front of their supporters if they hope to gain an advantage in the two-legged tie.
“We have a home game in a week and we must play that match with all our strength,” the coach said after his team’s latest domestic victory.
“We want to give everything in front of our fans in the first leg so that we can approach the away match in the best possible way.”
Esperance come into the continental encounter on the back of a 1-0 victory over Future Marsa in the Tunisian Ligue 1. The match, played at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium, formed part of the 23rd round of the domestic championship.
Despite the win, Beaumelle admitted that the game presented challenges for his squad as several players experienced minor physical concerns during the match.
“During half-time, we had some small muscle warnings for three players,” he explained.
“I did not want to take any risks, so I made changes quickly even though they were not part of my original plan. These kinds of matches are difficult because injuries can disrupt our momentum.”
The coach’s cautious approach underlined his determination to ensure that key players remain fit ahead of the Champions League showdown.
Esperance are now turning their full attention to their quarter-final opponents, who remain the most successful club in African football.
The two teams share a long history of encounters in continental competitions, often producing closely contested and emotionally charged matches.
Beaumelle acknowledged the scale of the challenge but emphasised that preparation and concentration would be crucial.
“Our focus now is completely on the Al Ahly match,” he said.
“Preparation is important not only for the players but also for the fans. We hope we will have the final say.”
Esperance will be hoping to replicate the kind of dominant home performances that have historically made the Rades stadium one of the most intimidating venues in African club football.
The clash forms part of a series of high-profile quarter-final ties in the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
The winner of the Esperance–Al Ahly tie will progress to the semi-finals, where they will meet the victor of the encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stade Malien.
For Esperance, success in the first leg could prove decisive before the challenging trip to Cairo for the return match.
Beaumelle believes the support of the home crowd could play a vital role.
“Playing in front of our supporters gives us extra motivation,” he said.
“We must be ready, be decisive, and show our determination from the first minute.”
With the quarter-finals approaching, both teams know that the margins will be small and the stakes enormous as they compete for a place among Africa’s final four clubs.
