CAF Champions League: Esperance coach Patrice Beaumelle gives players day off after narrow win over Al Ahly

Esperance de Tunis coach Patrice Beaumelle opted to give his squad a rest day on Monday following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Al Ahly in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

Beaumelle wanted his players to recover physically and mentally after a tense match that saw Esperance take a narrow lead, giving them a slight advantage ahead of the return leg in Cairo. Training will resume on Tuesday as the team focuses on preparing for the critical second leg.

The Esperance delegation is scheduled to fly to Cairo on Thursday via a private plane, ensuring they arrive well-rested and ready for the challenge. The return leg is set for next Saturday at Cairo Stadium and will be played behind closed doors, adding a unique dynamic to the fixture.

Esperance’s 1-0 win in the first leg gives them a slender advantage, but Beaumelle has stressed the importance of staying focused and disciplined. The team’s preparation, including the strategic rest day, reflects the coach’s careful management ahead of a high-stakes matchup against the Egyptian giants.

The second leg promises to be a tense encounter, with Al Ahly seeking to overturn the deficit in a stadium known for its passionate atmosphere—even without spectators this time. Esperance, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on their first-leg advantage to secure a spot in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, continuing their campaign for continental glory.