CAF Champions League: Patrice Beaumelle upbeat as ES Tunis eye comeback against Sundowns

ES Tunis head coach Patrice Beaumelle has struck a confident tone ahead of Saturday’s decisive TotalEnergies CAF Champions League semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria, insisting his side are mentally prepared to fight back despite trailing after the first leg.

The Tunisian giants face an uphill task in South Africa after last weekend’s setback in Tunis, but Beaumelle says the mood within the camp remains positive following an encouraging week of preparations.

“It was a long trip to come here, but we are glad and happy to be here. It’s always a pleasure to be here in South Africa. This is the second part of the game – the second leg here in Pretoria – so the spirit is good,” he said.

ES Tunis were left frustrated in the first leg, but the coach believes there were enough positives in their performance to build on as they attempt to overturn the deficit and keep their continental hopes alive.

“We trained the whole week with a good atmosphere because I think, despite the loss, we made a very good game in the first leg. Tomorrow, we have to score if we want to stay alive. So, it will be a very exciting game,” Beaumelle added.

With a place in the CAF Champions League final on the line, both sides head into the return fixture fully aware of the stakes.

Sundowns hold the advantage, but ES Tunis will arrive in Pretoria determined to mount a response and reignite their bid for continental glory.