CAF Champions League: Esperance hit by injury setbacks ahead of crucial Sundowns game

Espérance Sportive de Tunis have been dealt a significant setback in the build-up to their CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, with key injury concerns emerging just days before the first leg.

The Tunisian giants are set to host the opening encounter at the Stade de Radès on April 12, before travelling to Pretoria for the decisive return leg on April 18.

With a place in the final at stake, Esperance had been building momentum, aiming to return to the continental showpiece for the first time since 2024 and reclaim a title they last won in 2019.

However, preparations have been disrupted following confirmation that Algerian midfielder Kessila Boualia is nursing a heel injury that could rule him out of the first leg.

The club revealed the update in an official statement, noting that the player will undergo further medical tests to assess the severity of the issue and determine his recovery timeline.

Boualia’s potential absence represents a major blow, particularly after his influential performances in the quarter-finals against Al Ahly.

He played a key role in guiding Esperance through the tie, which saw them secure a 4-2 aggregate victory after a 1-0 win in Tunis and a 3-2 triumph in Cairo.

The injury concerns do not end there. The club also confirmed that Chehab Jebali sustained back and ankle issues during their recent league fixture against Étoile du Sahel. Like Boualia, he is set to undergo further assessments to determine his availability for the high-stakes encounter.

With key players now in doubt, Esperance’s coaching staff face a race against time to reshuffle their plans ahead of one of their most important matches of the season.