CS Constantine face a pivotal match tonight as they host defending champions Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final tie. The Algerian club, reaching this stage of the competition for the first time in its history, will rely on determination, tactical discipline, and home advantage to challenge the Tunisian powerhouse at the Stade Chahid-Hamlaoui.
Striker Mohamed Amine Abid highlighted the significance of the encounter, stressing the need for a strong performance from the start. “It will be a difficult match against the defending champions. We are aware that our task will not be easy, but we are not afraid of ES Tunis,” Abid said in comments reported by Le Buteur. “CSC has proven that it can go far in this competition. The team that beats TP Mazembe, Club Africain, and Al Ismaily can certainly compete with ES Tunis and overcome this hurdle.”
Abid emphasized the importance of securing a decisive result in the first leg. “If we want to go into the second leg in Radès with an advantage, we must take all three points at Hamlaoui. We must win by a large margin to secure a place in the semi-finals of this African Champions League. We have strengths to exploit, and we must give it our all from the start, scoring early to destabilize the EST defense and put them under pressure. We need to gain confidence and manage the rest of the game well.”
CS Constantine, known as the “Sanafir,” enter the match with confidence built on a strong campaign so far. They finished second in their group, just one point behind continental giants TP Mazembe, demonstrating their capability to compete at the highest level. This group-stage success has fueled belief that they can challenge Espérance and advance further in the tournament.
Abid pointed to the team’s recent form against top clubs as motivation. “If we can replicate TP Mazembe’s 3-0 victory against ES Tunis, it would be a major step toward the semi-finals. I believe we have the means and the ability to meet this challenge. We must show the Tunisians that we are a solid opponent, capable of competing with the best teams in Africa.”
The Algerian side will also benefit from renewed fan support, after sanctions that previously forced matches behind closed doors were lifted. This will allow the team to harness home support and create an energetic atmosphere at Hamlaoui, which could prove decisive against a technically skilled and experienced Tunisian side.
CS Constantine’s preparation for this encounter underscores their determination to advance further than any Algerian club in recent history. The first leg represents an opportunity to assert themselves, apply pressure from the outset, and take control of the tie before traveling to Radès for the return match. With a disciplined approach, tactical awareness, and attacking intent, the “Sanafir” aim to make a statement and stake their claim among Africa’s elite clubs this season.
As kickoff approaches, both players and supporters are focused on making the most of this historic night. A strong first-leg performance could pave the way for CS Constantine to reach the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League and continue their remarkable run in the continent’s premier club competition.
