ES Tunis continued their preparations for the CAF Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over AS Marsa in a friendly encounter.
The match served as a crucial test ahead of their highly anticipated showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Tunisian giants, known as the “Blood and Gold,” dominated the encounter, securing the win with first-half goals from Youssef Koudhaï in the fifth minute and Koussay Smiri in the 27th.
The match provided head coach Maher Kanzari an opportunity to fine-tune his squad before their quarter-final first leg in Pretoria, South Africa, on April 1.
Squad rotation and valuable playing time
With a packed schedule ahead, Kanzari took the opportunity to rotate his squad, offering valuable minutes to players who have seen limited game time in recent weeks.
Goalkeeper Béchir Ben Saïd, along with attacking midfielder Mohamed Mouhli, who is making his return from injury, were among those given a chance to regain match sharpness.
The friendly fixture allowed the team to maintain momentum and cohesion while minimizing the risk of fatigue and injuries ahead of their crucial continental clash.
ES Tunis will be looking to carry this form into their next competitive fixture as they seek to progress further in the Champions League.
Next friendly against CA Bizertin
As part of their continued preparations, ES Tunis will play another warm-up match against Club Athlétique Bizertin.
The fixture is set to take place at the Chedly-Zouiten Stadium on Tuesday, March 25, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 GMT.
The encounter will provide Kanzari with another opportunity to assess his squad and make final tactical adjustments before the team travels to South Africa.
The Tunisian side will aim to maintain their rhythm and build confidence as they approach one of the most crucial fixtures of their season.
With the quarter-finals fast approaching, ES Tunis will be keen to ensure they arrive in top condition, both physically and mentally, for their battle against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The Tunisian club will be aiming to secure a strong result away from home before the return leg in Tunis.
