These two teams couldn’t come into this encounter in more contrasting form. Is the result of this tie a forgone conclusion? We’ll be watching when they meet for the ninth time in the CAF Champions League.
Esperance Tunis Probable XI: Memmiche; Ali, Meriah, Tougai, Ben Hamida; El Ayeb, Aholou, Teka; Sasse, Rodrigues, Bukia (4-3-3).
ASEC Mimosas Probable XI: Ayayi; Gbakre, Tra Bi Tra, Coulibaly, Zouzou; Koffi, Bada, Aka; Karidioula, Diarrasouba, Pokou (4-3-3).
What is at Stake?
Esperance Tunis has been a constant feature in the late stages of this competition. It’s always nice seeing them lose at home to Al Ahly. You know, all of this started in 2012 and it has never stopped. What a shame, this used to be the African Classico but I digress. Despite their performances, Taraji are getting fewer plaudits than the more fashionable Al Ahly and Sundowns. Their quarterfinal opponents will understand this a little bit. ASEC Mimosas was THE Black African team before Enyimba, TP Mazembe and Sundowns. For a moment, during the group stage this season it felt like the ASEC fire was being rekindled but right now we don’t even know what’s up.
ASEC Mimosas has simply been falling apart all through 2024. Is this because Karamoko left for Austria? The Ivorian team has only won one of their last five matches. This team also can’t seem to be able to muster more than one goal a match no matter what combination, coach, Julian Chevalier employs. The international break hasn’t worked for him as ASEC has continued to drop points. I expect him to cut his losses and feature a far more conservative team in Rades. I see Aka, Bada and Koffi being crammed into that midfield at the expense of one of Avo or Pokou. We saw that in the qualifying rounds, against Coton Sport and Ahly Benghazi, that ASEC is very okay with switching to the CAFCL template of holding the fort away from home to come and secure the goods in front of your own fans. I know that this is not how they came across in Group A. So, the question will remain whether this is truly a team capable of defensive football.
Esperance Tunis is on the other end of the spectrum. The team is enjoying a new lease of life since Miguel Cardoso was appointed coach. It is now five straight wins with zero goals conceded. Furthermore, Brazilians, Yann Sasse and Ricardo Rodrigues are contributing as they were expected to. There’s also very healthy competition at left wing with Bouguerra, Ghacha and Bukia all jostling to start. The midfield is also contributing by winning those second balls. Did I mention that Esperance is a dangerous team in setpieces? I guess what we’ve learnt from Taraji this season is that you can’t underestimate the importance of having a good coach. Old habits die hard though. What I have observed from Esperance even in this happy period is that they are so pragmatic as to play by the scoreline. They like to slow down once they have a lead. This can only serve to give teams a fighting chance especially in CAFCL knockout football.
Prediction
Esperance Tunis 3-0 ASEC Mimosas
Esperance looks well drilled and are enjoying good form. Playing the first leg at home will also push them to play for a healthy lead. ASEC Mimosas will hope to have reinvigorated the team during the international break but it’s hard to see them getting a result in Rades.
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER QF PREVIEWS 👇
CAF Observer 