Two of Africa’s most successful football clubs are set to meet on Sunday when Espérance Sportive de Tunis host Al Ahly SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final.

The match will take place on 15 March 2026 at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium, where supporters are expected to create a charged atmosphere for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the continental season.

Both teams arrive with strong reputations and significant expectations, making the encounter one of the standout ties of the quarter-final stage.

Espérance expected lineup

For Espérance, coach Patrice Beaumelle has received a boost ahead of the match with the return of key attacking players.

Among the most notable developments is the availability of Yan Sasse and Youssef Msakni, both of whom are expected to feature in the starting lineup.

The probable starting eleven for the Tunisian club is expected to be:

Goalkeeper:

• Amanallah Memmiche

Defenders:

• Mohamed Ben Ali
• Yassine Meriah
• Mohamed Amine Tougai
• Ibrahima Keita

Midfielders:

• Onuche Ogbelu
• Houssem Tka
• Hamza Rafia

Attackers:

• Yan Sasse
• Florian Danho
• Youssef Msakni

The return of experienced attacking options could play a crucial role as the home side attempts to gain an advantage in the first leg.

Al Ahly’s likely starting XI

On the other side, Al Ahly manager Jess Thorup faces pressure to deliver a positive result.

The Egyptian club travelled to Tunisia earlier in the week in order to adapt to local conditions ahead of the match.

Their probable lineup includes several experienced international players:

Goalkeeper:

• Mohamed El Shenawy

Defenders:

• Mohamed Hany
• Hady Reyad
• Yasser Ibrahim
• Youssef Belammari

Midfielders:

• Marwan Attia
• Aliou Dieng
• Emam Ashour

Attackers:

• Achraf Bencharki
• Marwan Otaka
• Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet

High-stakes encounter

The meeting between Espérance and Al Ahly brings together two clubs with rich histories in African football.

With a place in the semi-finals at stake, both teams will be aiming to secure a favourable result in the first leg before the return fixture.

As anticipation builds ahead of kick-off in Radès, supporters across the continent will be closely watching to see which of the two heavyweights gains the early advantage in this crucial quarter-final tie.