Esperance midfielder Khalil Al-Qanishi picks up injury ahead of Sundowns clash

Espérance Sportive de Tunis midfielder Khalil Al-Qanishi has emerged as a major doubt for the crucial CAF Champions League return clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Tunisian giants travels to South Africa for the decisive semifinal return clash against Sundowns this weekend.

Ahead of clash, Esperance have been hit with a massive injury blow, with midfielder Khalil Al-Qanishi succumbing to a muscular injury at training.

He is expected to undergo medical examinations, including X-rays, to determine the severity of the setback and his availability for the crucial return leg.

The injury comes at a critical moment in the tie, with Espérance needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in South Africa.

Mamelodi Sundowns hold the advantage after Colombian striker Bryan León’s decisive goal secured a historic victory at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades.

That result marked Sundowns’ first-ever win over Espérance in Tunisia after five previous visits, a run that had included three goalless draws and two defeats. It also ended a long-standing drought, as it was the first time since August 2000 that Sundowns managed to score against the Tunisian side on their home soil.

Now, the second leg shifts to the Lucas Moripe Stadium, where the South African champions will look to defend their slim advantage and book a place in the final. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 pm, with everything still to play for in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.

The winner of the tie will face either Moroccan sides Raja Casablanca or RS Berkane in the final, after Raja secured a 2-0 first-leg advantage in their semi-final clash.

For Espérance, the task has now become even more demanding. Not only must they chase a deficit away from home, but they may also have to do so without one of their squad options in Al-Qanishi.

With continental glory on the line, the margin for error has disappeared — and every detail, including injuries, could prove decisive.