Esperance midfielder Chiheb Jebali welcomes crucial quarterfinal clash against Al Ahly

Esperance de Tunis midfielder Chiheb Jebali has welcomed his outfit crucial CAF Champions League quarterfinals clash against Al Ahly.

The Tunisian giants have been drawn against the Egyptian powerhouse in what is widely regarded as one of African football’s most intense rivalries.

The first leg of the tie is scheduled for March 13-14, with Al Ahly travelling to Tunis to face Esperance at the Stade de Radès, before the return leg on March 20-21 at the Cairo International Stadium.

Speaking to Tunisian website Foot24, the 29-year-old experienced midfielder disclosed he was unaware of the match against Al-Ahly, as his outfit were focused on the clash against Soliman.

“Facing Al Ahly? I didn’t know about it because we were focused on facing Future of Soliman in the league. Welcome to Al-Ahly, welcome to them.”

The Tunisian midfielder is expected to play a huge role for Esperance as the club seeks to advance to the semi-final of the continental competition this time.

Esperance have struggled in recent years in Africa, with their last success coming in 2019, where the club lifted the Champions League trophy.

This season, the midfielder has made 27 appearances across competition, scoring two goals and delivering two assists.