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Tribune News Network
Doha
CAF Champions League champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis will be hoping to win their first CAF Super Cup since 1995 when they take on CAF Confederation Cup holders Zamalek of Egypt at the Al Gharafa Stadium on Friday.
The four-time CAF Champions League winners, have lost three Super Cups, and most recently lost to Morocco’s Raja Casablanca 1-2 in the Super Cup last year in Doha.
The ‘Ghoul of Africa’ as they are fondly known won back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2018 and 2019 marking the club’s centenary year in style.
Espereance, record Tunisian league champions with 29 titles, are on a good run of form having four of their last five league matches. Yet to lose in the league this season after 14 matches, they currently sit top of the Tunisian League on 38 points – 10 ahead of Monastir in second.
Meanwhile, Zamalek have won the CAF Super Cup three times and despite being third in the Egytian league, are also on a good run with four wins from five games. They are however 11 points behind leaders Al Ahli.
Esperance player Shams al Din al Thawadi told Tunisian Newspapers that the team has the mentality to take on Zamalek.
“We have the capabilities to overcome Zamalek. They do not frighten us, especially if we play up to the level that I know we can,” he was
quoted as saying.
Esperance coach Moine Chaabani told the media on Thursday in Doha that his team hoped to put to bed last year’s loss to Raja.
“Last year, we were not so fortunate to win the African Super Cup, but this season our team is 70 percent different from the past.
“Zamalek is a respectable team, but we want to win the title. The matches between the Tunisian and Egyptian teams serve as an exciting derby, and we will play our best hopefully,” Chaabani said.
“The most important thing for us is to prepare ourselves well and that is what we did. We have played good games recently and we have been successful. We hope that success will continue with us against Zamalek.”
Meanwhile, Zamalek goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdel Rahim, stressed that the Egyptians are in Doha to win the title. ‘Gennesh’ as he is fondly called added that the players know the responsibility they have to take the trophy back home.
“We have come to Qatar to win the African Super Cup. We know we face a strong and respectable team in Esperance, but that is motivating,” he said.
“Any player who plays in Zamalek is a great player. The role of the big players is to motivate all players, who I know are fully responsible and ready for all challenges.
“The Egyptian fans will be a great incentive for us and I hope that the players will be at their best,” Gennesh added.Fan Zone to
open at 4pm
Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the Fan Zone, which will open at 4pm. The zone will feature food trucks, entertainment and various football-related activities. There will be two Fan Zone locations outside the stadium – one for ES Tunis fans; the other for Zamalek supporters. Each Fan Zone will feature food and entertainment which reflects the culture of the different countries. Fans are also reminded about prohibited items. Items which are
commonly confiscated include lighters, water
bottles and perfume.
Doha
CAF Champions League champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis will be hoping to win their first CAF Super Cup since 1995 when they take on CAF Confederation Cup holders Zamalek of Egypt at the Al Gharafa Stadium on Friday.
The four-time CAF Champions League winners, have lost three Super Cups, and most recently lost to Morocco’s Raja Casablanca 1-2 in the Super Cup last year in Doha.
The ‘Ghoul of Africa’ as they are fondly known won back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2018 and 2019 marking the club’s centenary year in style.
Espereance, record Tunisian league champions with 29 titles, are on a good run of form having four of their last five league matches. Yet to lose in the league this season after 14 matches, they currently sit top of the Tunisian League on 38 points – 10 ahead of Monastir in second.
Meanwhile, Zamalek have won the CAF Super Cup three times and despite being third in the Egytian league, are also on a good run with four wins from five games. They are however 11 points behind leaders Al Ahli.
Esperance player Shams al Din al Thawadi told Tunisian Newspapers that the team has the mentality to take on Zamalek.
“We have the capabilities to overcome Zamalek. They do not frighten us, especially if we play up to the level that I know we can,” he was
quoted as saying.
Esperance coach Moine Chaabani told the media on Thursday in Doha that his team hoped to put to bed last year’s loss to Raja.
“Last year, we were not so fortunate to win the African Super Cup, but this season our team is 70 percent different from the past.
“Zamalek is a respectable team, but we want to win the title. The matches between the Tunisian and Egyptian teams serve as an exciting derby, and we will play our best hopefully,” Chaabani said.
“The most important thing for us is to prepare ourselves well and that is what we did. We have played good games recently and we have been successful. We hope that success will continue with us against Zamalek.”
Meanwhile, Zamalek goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdel Rahim, stressed that the Egyptians are in Doha to win the title. ‘Gennesh’ as he is fondly called added that the players know the responsibility they have to take the trophy back home.
“We have come to Qatar to win the African Super Cup. We know we face a strong and respectable team in Esperance, but that is motivating,” he said.
“Any player who plays in Zamalek is a great player. The role of the big players is to motivate all players, who I know are fully responsible and ready for all challenges.
“The Egyptian fans will be a great incentive for us and I hope that the players will be at their best,” Gennesh added.Fan Zone to
open at 4pm
Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the Fan Zone, which will open at 4pm. The zone will feature food trucks, entertainment and various football-related activities. There will be two Fan Zone locations outside the stadium – one for ES Tunis fans; the other for Zamalek supporters. Each Fan Zone will feature food and entertainment which reflects the culture of the different countries. Fans are also reminded about prohibited items. Items which are
commonly confiscated include lighters, water
bottles and perfume.
