US Ben Guerdane and Espérance Sportive de Tunis will clash this Sunday in a high-stakes Tunisian Cup semi-final at the 7 Mars Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:30 local time.
The encounter, overseen by referee Fraj Abdellaoui and assistants Khalil Hassani and Ahmed Dhouioui, holds more than just a place in the final on the line.
The victor will go on to face Stade Tunisien, who have already secured their spot in the tournament’s showpiece.
But the implications stretch further: a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup may also hinge on the outcome.
A win for US Ben Guerdane would not only be a historic achievement—taking them to their first Tunisian Cup final—but would also put them in contention for continental football.
On the other hand, if Espérance de Tunis secure victory, it is Stade Tunisien who will benefit from the Confederation Cup berth, since Espérance have already qualified for the CAF Champions League.
The context adds weight to an already finely balanced fixture.
In their two Ligue 1 meetings this season, the sides were inseparable, playing out two identical 1-1 draws.
Those results highlight the competitive parity between the clubs, despite Espérance’s greater pedigree in domestic and continental competitions.
US Ben Guerdane, renowned for their resilience at home, will be hoping to harness local support and exploit Espérance’s occasional struggles away from Tunis.
The southern club has grown in stature in recent years and now stands on the cusp of a potential breakthrough moment.
Espérance, with their vast experience and depth, enter the tie as favourites but are under no illusion about the challenge ahead.
With a congested fixture list and the pressure of multiple competitions, they will need to manage their resources carefully if they hope to progress.
To ensure clarity and fairness, the Tunisian Football Federation has appointed VAR officials Naim Hosni and Wael Hannachi for this crucial encounter.
The introduction of video assistance underlines the significance of the match and the need for accurate officiating in high-pressure scenarios.
Sunday’s semi-final promises intensity, strategy, and emotion, as US Ben Guerdane and Espérance battle not only for a place in the final but for a shot at representing Tunisia on the continental stage.
