Esperance aim for perfection, Pyramids look to dominate again in Group D
The action in Group D of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League heats up this weekend as Esperance Tunis visit Sagrada Esperança in Angola on Friday, while Pyramids FC head to Mali to face Djoliba on Sunday.
Both matches promise to shape the trajectory of the group stage.
Esperance seek to extend momentum in Angola
Tunisian side Esperance, buoyed by their dominant 4-0 victory over Djoliba in the opening match, aim to maintain their perfect start.
Led by Romanian coach Laurențiu Reghecampf, Esperance enter the clash unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and conceding only two.
However, Sagrada Esperança will pose a formidable challenge at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.
Despite a heavy 5-1 defeat to Pyramids in their opener, the Angolan side boasts an impressive eight-match unbeaten home streak.
“Sagrada’s home form speaks volumes. We know this won’t be easy, but we’re prepared to deliver another strong performance,” said Reghecampf.
Elias Mokwana and his teammates, who all found the back of the net in their opener, will be key for the Tunisian side, while Cachí will lead Sagrada’s attack as their top scorer.
Pyramids eye back-to-back wins in Mali
Pyramids FC, under Croatian tactician Krunoslav Jurcic, sit atop the group alongside Esperance with three points.
Their emphatic 5-1 win over Sagrada showcased their attacking depth, but they now face a Djoliba side hungry to bounce back.
“Playing in Mali presents unique challenges, but we trust in the experience and quality of our players to hold their own against Djoliba,” Jurcic remarked.
Djoliba will lean on their home advantage and passionate crowd to upset the Egyptian giants. However, Pyramids’ firepower and seasoned squad make no pushovers.
With all four teams vying for crucial points, the stakes are high in Group D.
Group D fixtures
Friday 06/12/2024: Sagrada Esperança v Esperance Tunis (1600 GMT)
Sunday 08/12/2024: Djoliba v Pyramids (1600 GMT)