CS Constantine will face a daunting challenge this Saturday at the Radès Stadium as they visit Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final. After a 3–2 defeat at home in the first leg, the Algerian side must deliver a near-perfect performance if they hope to continue their African campaign and reach the semi-finals.
Under the guidance of French coach Denis Lavagne, CS Constantine have already shown resilience and determination, proving themselves a formidable opponent despite the narrow first-leg loss. During that match, the team troubled Espérance de Tunis for large periods, exploiting occasional defensive lapses and capitalizing on moments of naivety from the Blood and Gold’s backline. Their performance demonstrated tactical discipline, physical intensity, and mental toughness—qualities they will need to replicate in Tunisia.
Ahead of the trip to Radès, Lavagne expressed confidence in his squad while acknowledging the difficulty of the task ahead. “We’re going there to win and secure qualification,” he said. “Our players are highly motivated and determined to give their all. Unlike the first leg, where they were under immense pressure, this time they’ll play with complete freedom, knowing they have absolutely nothing to lose. Our team generally performs well away from home. In the first leg, despite the defeat, we held our own against one of the continent’s giants, and the defending champions at that.”
Lavagne highlighted the importance of starting the match strongly and avoiding early concessions. “If we manage the start of the match well, especially avoiding conceding a goal, and then try to open the scoring first, we can hope to make them doubt themselves and even overcome our deficit. One thing is certain: we’re going to Radès to win and qualify, even though our mission looks very difficult. No one can accuse us of not giving it our all or not believing in ourselves, because we truly believe in ourselves. Our team never gives up and is more than capable of such a feat,” he added.
However, the Algerian side face additional challenges heading into the fixture. Key players Belkacemi and Sid Ali Lamri will be unavailable. Striker Belkacemi continues to undergo intensive treatment for a persistent injury, while midfielder Lamri has not fully recovered and has been left out of the squad traveling to Tunisia. Their absence reduces the options available to Lavagne but also underlines the determination required from the remaining players.
On the other hand, Espérance Sportive de Tunis will be buoyed by their home support and the momentum gained from the first-leg victory. The Tunisian side’s fans, renowned for creating an intimidating atmosphere, are expected to push the Blood and Gold to perform at their best, making life extremely difficult for the visitors.
Despite the odds, CS Constantine enter the match with belief and ambition. They will need tactical discipline, mental strength, and perhaps a little luck to overcome a two-goal deficit against one of Africa’s most decorated clubs. With the stakes high, the encounter promises drama, intensity, and suspense, as both teams battle not just for semi-final qualification, but for continental prestige.
Saturday’s fixture in Radès is shaping up to be a captivating showdown between experience and resilience, a test of nerves, skill, and determination that will keep African football fans on the edge of their seats.
