ES Tunis prepares for crucial CAF Champions League clash behind closed doors

ES Tunis, dubbed the “Blood and Gold,” have wasted no time in preparing for their crucial CAF Champions League semi-final return leg against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria, holding their first training session behind closed doors.

Arriving in Pretoria amidst the buzz of eager supporters, the team immediately got down to business, gearing up for the high-stakes encounter scheduled for Friday evening.

Led by coach Miguel Cardoso, ES Tunis took to the training pitch on Wednesday, with their session shrouded in secrecy, closed to the public and media.

Among the players present at the Media Open Day were André Bukia and Oussema Bouguerra, offering a glimpse into the team’s preparations ahead of the decisive clash.

Following their media commitments, they joined their teammates for the intensive training session, meticulously fine-tuning their strategies and tactics in anticipation of the showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns.

As the tension mounts on the eve of the semi-final return, both coaches are set to address the media in pre-match press conferences.

ES Tunis’ Miguel Cardoso, accompanied by a player, will take the podium first at 10:30 GMT, followed by Mamelodi Sundowns’ Rhulani Mokwena at 1:00 p.m. GMT.

While the first quarter of an hour of ES Tunis’ training session will be open to cameramen and photographers, the remainder of the session will remain closed as the team focuses on their preparations.

Mamelodi Sundowns, their opponents, will also undergo their training regimen at 4:00 p.m. GMT, with ES Tunis following suit at 6:00 p.m. GMT, coinciding with match time.

Having secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, courtesy of Yan Sasse’s crucial goal, ES Tunis will be aiming to maintain their advantage and secure their spot in the final of the prestigious CAF Champions League.

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as football enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of this highly anticipated clash.