The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed CS Constantine a one-match stadium ban, meaning the Algerian champions will host Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Saturday, April 6, without fans. CS Constantine has formally lodged an appeal against the sanction, in line with CAF regulations.
“I hope CAF will reconsider its decision and lift this unjust sanction,” said Constantine coach Denis Lavagne. “We hope our supporters will be there to encourage us against ES Tunis. We promise to give everything to make them proud in the Champions League. This first leg is crucial, and we need to secure a comfortable lead to approach the return leg in Radès with confidence.”
The absence of home support strengthens Espérance’s position, as the Tunisian club not only enters the tie as defending champions but also comes off an impressive group stage, finishing with four wins and two draws. For CS Constantine, the fans are usually a key advantage, particularly in high-stakes matches where the home side must press for goals to build a strong cushion for the second leg. The lack of their fervent “Clubiste” gallery represents a major setback for the Algerians, who have also been hampered by injuries and limited preparation.
CS Constantine’s quarter-final appearance marks a historic milestone, as they finished second in Group C with 10 points, just behind group leaders TP Mazembe, who collected 11 points. Should Constantine advance, they will face the winner of the semi-final tie between Tanzania’s Simba SC and TP Mazembe.
With the first leg approaching, CS Constantine will aim to overcome both the absence of their fans and the strength of the defending champions, while Espérance looks to capitalize on their experience and group-stage momentum to move closer to the final four of Africa’s premier club competition.
