FIFA Club World Cup: We are not afraid of any opposition – Esperance coach Maher Kanzari

Esperance de Tunis head coach Maher Kanzari says his side is not scared of any opposition ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Esperance has been drawn into Group D alongside English giants Chelsea, Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo, and Mexico’s Club Leon.

With Esperance set to take on Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Kanzari remains confident, emphasising that football is played on the pitch.

“As I’ve said, there’s no fear here. These are football matches at the highest level, every player is hungry to play in a tournament like the Club World Cup,” Kanzari told the FIFA official website.

“That’s why we’re not afraid of anything. We’re a big team, and they’re big teams too. True, they may look better on paper, but this is football – anything can happen. Espérance don’t cower before anyone.

“We bring our full might into every match. We’re determined to deliver a great performance that is worthy of our reputation, just like always.

When asked whether he believes an African team could progress to the latter stages or even win the tournament, Kanzari responded: “Why not”?

“This is football, and the landscape is constantly shifting. We saw plenty of surprises even at the last World Cup, like Morocco’s deep run.

“And we’ve seen teams like Mazembe and Raja reach the final of [FIFA tournaments]. That’s the nature of football: Every team has a chance to advance, succeed, win and achieve its dreams. The pitch is open to everyone.”

The Tunisian side will represent the African continent alongside South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Egypt’s 12-time CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly, and Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club.

Esperance de Tunis will open their campaign against Flamingo at the Lincoln Financial Field on Tuesday, June 17.