Etoile Sportive du Sahel Set to Travel to Guinea for Confederations Cup Match Despite Health Concerns
Etoile Sportive du Sahel is set to travel to Guinea for their Confederations Cup round of 16 match, despite concerns about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country. The Tunisian club had requested the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to relocate the match, but their plea was rejected, leaving the team to proceed with their plans to play in Conakry.
The EST delegation is scheduled to fly out today, making a stopover in Casablanca before heading on to Guinea for the first leg of the encounter, which will take place on Sunday. Despite the club’s objections, the match will go ahead in the Guinean capital, Conakry, as originally scheduled.
The club’s leadership had expressed concerns over the presence of Ebola fever, which has been reported in Guinea, and had asked for the match to be moved to a safer location. However, their request was not granted by Horoya, the Guinean club hosting the match, nor by CAF, leaving the team with little choice but to travel.
Abdesslam Dhaifallah, the editor-in-chief of the sports department at Tunisian radio station Mosaique FM, confirmed the situation, stating, “Yes, Étoile du Sahel wants to contact CAF to request the relocation of its first-leg match scheduled for Conakry because of the Ebola fever.”
The team, known for its star players, will now travel to Guinea, where they will play the match as planned in the second round of the Confederation Cup. While the health risks are a concern, Etoile Sportive du Sahel is focused on the challenge ahead as they aim to advance in the competition.
Following the first leg, the club plans to seek a safer venue for the return match. The Tunisian side is expected to explore options for an alternative location before the second leg, as player safety remains a priority.
As the situation develops, the team will look to balance their preparations for the match with the necessary precautions to ensure the health and wellbeing of their players and staff. Despite the challenges, Etoile Sportive du Sahel will continue their pursuit of continental glory in the Confederations Cup.
