Esperance Sportive de Tunis’ new coach French Patrice Beaumelle attends a press conference in Tunis, Tunisia, 23 February 2026. Beaumelle, who led the Angolan national team during the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, has signed a contract running through June 2027. EPA/MOHAMED MESSARA
Monday Mar 09, 2026. 15:00
Espérance Sportive de Tunis head coach Patrice Beaumelle stated his side’s attention is firmly on the CAF Champions League ahead of their quarterfinal clash with Al Ahly at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Tunis on Sunday.
Espérance finished second in group D behind Stade Malien, managing two wins, three draws and one loss from their six group stage games.
Speaking after his side’s 1-0 victory over AS Marsa in the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 on Satirday, the coach emphasised the importance of a positive result in the home leg of their upcoming clash with the Egyptian giants on Sunday.
“We have a home game in a week and we must play that match with all our strength,” said Beaumelle, as per CAF Online.
“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.”
The French tactician was taking no chances in Saturday’s game, making changes at half time to avoid any potential injuries for the upcoming continental clash.
“During half-time, we had some small muscle warnings for three players,” he said.
“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.”
Looking forward to the weekend’s action, Beaumelle emphasised that his side has one singular focus in mind.
“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.”
Espérance will be looking to take advantage of playing the first leg at home to get ahead in the tie.
“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.”
The two sides have faced one another on 18 previous occasions, with Al Ahly claiming 10 wins to Espérance’s three and five games drawn.
By Nic Gleeson