Etoile du Sahel Gears Up for Maghreb Derby Against Al Ahly
Etoile Sportive du Sahel is set to host Egyptian giants Al Ahly this Sunday in a highly anticipated Maghreb derby, as the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage gets underway.
The Sousse-based club comes into the clash after a 1-1 draw against Sewe Sport of Ivory Coast in their opening fixture. While the result left room for improvement, attention now turns to a home test that promises intensity and regional rivalry.
Head coach Roger Lemerre faces a mixed situation in terms of squad availability. Defender Rami Bedoui has been ruled out due to injury, leaving a gap in the backline. However, the experienced Seif Ghzel returns to the fold and is expected to bolster the defence.
Midfielder Radhouene Felhi remains a doubt. The Tunisian international has yet to recover fully from his injury, and his availability for the match will likely be decided at the last minute.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, will arrive in Sousse on Thursday, but they too will be without a key player. Cherif Abdelhafidh will miss the encounter, as he is set to travel to the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday to undergo a rehabilitation program. The midfielder has been sidelined due to a lack of match fitness and continues to work on his recovery.
With both sides missing important names, Sunday’s fixture is still expected to deliver a fiercely contested affair. Al Ahly, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, will be aiming to assert dominance early in the group, while Etoile du Sahel will look to capitalise on home advantage and climb the standings.
As the Confederation Cup heats up, all eyes will be on Sousse for a derby that could have major implications for the group’s outcome.
