The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the list of referees who will officiate Esperance Sportive de Tunis’ second-round matches in the CAF Champions League.
The Tunisian giants will face Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso over two legs later this month as they aim to secure a place in the group stage of the competition.
CAF appointed Malian referee Boubou Traoré to take charge of the first leg in Ouagadougou. The match will kick off at 17:00 local time on Saturday, 18 October, at Stade 04 Août.
Esperance will then host the return fixture eight days later in Tunisia. Moroccan official Jalal Jayed will oversee the decisive second leg at Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades. The match will also kick off at 17:00 local time on Sunday, 26 October.
Both clubs view the tie as crucial in their push for continental success. Esperance, one of Africa’s most successful clubs, aims to reach the group stage and challenge for another title
. Rahimo FC hopes to pull off an upset and make history against the Tunisian heavyweights.
The refereeing appointments underline CAF’s effort to ensure fair and competitive matches during the qualification rounds. Boubou Traoré and Jalal Jayed bring significant experience in African competitions and have officiated high-profile fixtures across the continent.
Esperance approaches the clash as strong favourites, given their pedigree and experience in the Champions League.
The Tunisian side regularly competes in the latter stages of the tournament and remains one of North Africa’s most dominant teams.
Rahimo FC, however, enters the tie with determination and ambition. The Burkinabè club believes home advantage in the first leg could give them a vital edge before travelling to Tunisia for the decisive return match.
Esperance’s coaching staff has already shifted focus to tactical preparation and squad readiness ahead of the crucial two-legged encounter.
The team knows that an early advantage in Ouagadougou could make qualification more straightforward in front of their supporters in Rades.
The first leg promises intense competition as Rahimo FC attempts to contain Esperance’s attacking threat. The Tunisians, known for their fast-paced transitions and strong midfield control, aim to seize control of the tie before returning home.
In the second leg, Esperance will count on their passionate fans at Hamadi Agrebi Stadium to push them towards qualification.
The team’s record on home soil in continental competitions remains one of the strongest in Africa, and they plan to extend that tradition.
CAF continues to finalise preparations for the group stage draw, which will include the winners of this matchup. Both clubs know the stakes and understand that every decision, including refereeing calls, could influence their Champions League fate.
The spotlight now turns to Boubou Traoré and Jalal Jayed, who will play crucial roles in ensuring fair play and competitive balance over the two legs.
Their performances will be vital as two ambitious clubs battle for a place among Africa’s elite.
