Espérance Sportive de Tunis forward Youcef Belaïli has urged the club’s supporters to turn out in force as the team prepares for a decisive CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Following a narrow 1-0 defeat in Pretoria earlier this week, the “Blood and Gold” squad returned to Tunisia on Thursday afternoon.
Speaking to the media at Tunis-Carthage International Airport, Belaïli emphasized the importance of fan support in the crucial encounter.
“We are counting on the public’s support to come out in force to support us on Tuesday. Together, we can achieve our common wish: qualification for the semi-finals,” he stated.
Belaïli to appear before LNFP
The Algerian international is also set to appear before the Ligue Nationale de Football Professionnel (LNFP) disciplinary committee on Friday.
The summons follows an incident during his goal celebration against JS Omrane on matchday 25 of Ligue 1, which was deemed inappropriate.
Many within the Tunisian football community believe the timing of the hearing is unfortunate, arguing that the LNFP should have scheduled it after Espérance’s Champions League fixture against Sundowns.
With tensions high ahead of Tuesday’s must-win match, Belaïli and his teammates will be hoping for strong home support as they aim to overturn their first-leg deficit and advance to the semi-finals.
