Boost for Esperance as influential duo Youssef Msakni and Yann Sass return ahead of Al Ahly showdown

Esperance de Tunis have been boosted by the return of influential duo of Youssef Msakni and Yann Sass ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg clash.

The Tunisian giants will take on the Egyptian football powerhouse in a two-legged clash, with victory crucial to securing a place in the semifinal of this year’s Champions League.

Ahead of the match, Esperance have received a timely boost, with playmaker Yann Sass and veteran forward Msakni returning to full training after injury recovery.

Despite returning to training, the duo inclusion in the upcoming domestic fixture against Future Marsa rests in the technical team hands. Head coach Patrice Beaumelle and his backroom staff will decide whether to include both Msakni and Yann Sass in the league match or rest them for high-stake Champions League clash against Al Ahly.

Meanwhile, right-back Ibrahima Keita returns from suspension after serving a three-match ban for accumulated yellow cards.

The first leg of the quarter-final will be staged at the iconic Stade Olympique de Radès on March 15 at 11pm local time, with the decisive return leg set for March 21 at Cairo International Stadium.

Meanwhile, referee appointments have added extra intrigue to the tie. Senegalese official Issa Sy will officiate the first leg in Tunisia. He will be assisted by Gabriel Camara, Noah Bangura, Abdallah Diouf, Ahmed Imtiaz Hiral (Mauritius), and Angolan official Gerson Emilio dos Santos.

Issa Sy is no stranger to Al Ahly. He previously officiated their heavy 5-2 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2023 group stage in South Africa — a result that remains a painful memory for the Egyptian giants. However, he also took charge of their narrow 1-0 victory over Eagle Noir in the preliminary round of this season’s competition.