Espérance de Tunis enter their CAF Champions League 2026-2027 matches against Al-Suwaihli from Libya grappling with a worsening defensive crisis, just days before the continental campaign kicks off. The first leg will take place next Sunday at Misrata Stadium in Libya, while the return leg will be hosted at Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, the capital of Tunisia, six days later.
The 'sheikh of Tunisian clubs' is seeking to renew its bond with the continental title, which has been absent from its trophy cabinet since winning the 2019 edition against Wydad Casablanca.
The most significant blow came with Marwan Al-Sahrawi's injury to the cruciate ligament of the knee, which will keep him out for at least six months. Esperance had signed the player during last summer's transfer window on a free transfer after his contract with Stade Tunisien had ended.
The troubles do not stop there, as Algerian Adam Alilat, the former star of the Algeria national team for locals, is suffering from a lack of physical readiness due to his long absence from competitive environments. He had joined the capital club during the summer transfers after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad.
The statistics reveal the extent of the crisis, with 'Blood and Gold' conceding 7 goals in 5 league matches, averaging 1.4 goals per game, a high figure that Espérance de Tunis has not been accustomed to in recent years. The team has managed to keep a clean sheet only once, against Hammam-Lif in the fourth round.
These defensive struggles coincide with the departure of experienced duo Yassine Meriah and Mohamed Amin Tougai, as the former moved to Club Africain before recently announcing his retirement, while the latter transferred to Al Ahly of Libya.
