CAF Champions League: I was expecting Al Ahly to score more goals – Esperance coach Patrice Beaumelle

Esperance coach Patrice Beaumelle admitted he anticipated a tough challenge from Al Ahly in their CAF Champions League tie, expecting the Egyptian side to find the net more than they did.

The Tunisian club booked their place in the semifinals after a 3-1 victory in the second leg in Cairo last week.

Reflecting on the match, Beaumelle explained his game plan: “I asked the players to prevent Al Ahly from scoring, which was no easy task.”

He added, “Playing purely defensively would have made things more difficult. I focused on motivating the team to play with both enthusiasm and patience, and I reminded them of this repeatedly throughout the match.”

Commenting on the flow of the game, the coach noted, “In the first half, we were somewhat unsettled. Al Ahly controlled the tempo and pressed high, and they certainly deserved a goal or two. In the second half, however, we managed the game effectively. The players’ focus and commitment were clear, and our goalkeeper rightly earned the Man of the Match award.”

Beaumelle also highlighted his ambitions with Esperance, stating, “This club was built to win titles. Every player who joins expects to lift trophies, and our fans demand nothing less each season.”

He concluded by praising the supporters: “The fans are incredibly passionate and back the team wherever we go. Their support was clear even in Egypt, and I promise never to let them down.”

Esperance will now meet South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the Champions League semifinals.