Espérance Sportive de Tunis will be without Youssef Msakni for their CAF Champions League group match against Stade Malien after the midfielder stayed behind to mourn the death of his father.
The Tunisian international did not travel with the ES Tunis squad to Mali on Friday ahead of Sunday’s fifth-round fixture, with the club confirming his absence is due to personal reasons rather than injury or selection choices.
Msakni is grieving the loss of his father, Mondher Msakni, a former Tunisian international, and has remained with his family during a period of mourning.
The news has cast a sombre mood over preparations for a match that could prove decisive in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
An established leader within the squad, Msakni has long been regarded as one of Espérance’s most influential players, particularly on the continental stage where his experience and creativity have often proved decisive.
His absence represents a significant setback for the Tunisian champions as they face a challenging away trip to Bamako.
Despite the sporting implications, the club and its supporters have expressed their solidarity with the player, emphasising that football takes second place in the face of personal loss.
Messages of support have followed Msakni, reflecting his status as an emblematic figure at Espérance and within Tunisian football more broadly.
Espérance’s coaching staff must now adjust their plans without one of their key attacking options, as the team looks to maintain momentum in the group.
The remaining players travelled to Mali aware of both the importance of the fixture and the emotional circumstances surrounding their teammate’s absence.
Stade Malien, playing at home, are expected to provide a stern test, with the outcome of the match likely to have a strong influence on the final standings in the group.
For Espérance, securing a positive result would strengthen their position as they approach the closing stages of the group phase.
Within the camp, there is a clear determination to respond on the pitch. Players are expected to rally together, aiming to deliver a performance that reflects unity and resilience, while keeping their absent teammate in mind.
As preparations continue, the focus remains on Sunday’s encounter, with Espérance hoping to turn a difficult moment off the field into motivation on it, dedicating their efforts to Youssef Msakni and his family.
