Photo Credit: Espérance Sportive de Tunis
Luanda, Angola is the setting for the only match on Friday from the CAF Champions League where Sagrada Esperança will host Group D foe and Tunisian champions Espérance. It appears that Espérance and Egypt's Pyramids FC are destined to qualify for the quarterfinals out of Group D but Friday's match presents an opportunity for the Angolan club to shake things up.
Sagrada Esperança
However the situation is not favorable for Sagrada who experienced some upheaval following the 5-1 thrashing they suffered at the hands of Pyramids in their opening Group D match. Coach Roque Sapiri was dismissed after the result and interim coach Francisco Moniz has quite a task ahead. Following the dreadful result against Pyramids, Sagrada proceeded to lose 3-0 away at São Salvador last weekend in domestic league play.
Sagrada coach Roque Sapiri was dismissed after the opening match defeat to Pyramids
Despite the bad news, Sagrada did create some opportunities and will need more efficient finishing from veteran domestic attackers Dabando and Cachi, who combined for the late consolation against Pyramids. Striker Brian Mwila is another option but the Zambian was ineffective against the Egyptian giants. Mozambique international Shaquille Nangy will sit in front of an experienced defensive line that needs to be at its best on Friday.
Espérance ST
For the Tunisian champions, things are going well with a 4-0 thrashing of Mali's Djoliba in their Group D opener followed by a 2-0 victory over JS Omrane in Tunisia's Ligue 1. Romanian coach Laurențiu Reghecampf is adapting quickly on his first adventure into African football since joining early last month. The Blood and Gold will rely on a strong defense and an improved attack to try and earn three points in Angola, where they played Petro de Luanda to a 0-0 draw last season in the CAF Champions League group stage.
Mohamed Amine Tougai may return from injury to lead the EST defense
Photo Credit: Espérance Sportive de Tunis
However there is one notable absence after captain and defensive leader Yassine Meriah suffered a cruciate ligament injury (ACL), leaving him out for six months. Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai may be available after a few weeks out with an injury but regardless the defense could be a concern for EST. Former Guingamp and Le Havre defender Ayman Ben Mohamed is likely to replace Meriah.
Youcef Belaïli appears set to return after leaving the Djoliba match with an injury and there are many options for coach Reghecampf. South African forward Elias Mokwana is finding his feet in North Africa and Brazilian striker Rodrigo Rodrigues scored both goals in the 2-0 league victory over JSO. Brazilian playmaker Yan Sasse remains out due to injury.
Comments