Esperance out to reclaim top spot in Petro Atletico showdown

Esperance boss Tarek Thabet says Saturday's TotalEnergies CAF Champions League summit meeting with Petro Atletico presents the "perfect opportunity" for his side to hit back after recent setbacks. 

The Tunisians slipped off the Group C summit following a shock loss last time out away to Al Hilal Omdurman in Sudan. 

But Thabet believes the visit of hitherto flawless table-toppers Petro hands Esperance the ideal platform on which to bounce back in style. 

"Victory is imperative to return to the leading group and regain leadership," the coach declared, highlighting the stakes at play this weekend. 

Thabet predicted a "difficult match against a tough, athletic opponent" but insists Esperance will rise to the challenge on home soil. 

"Our destiny is in our hands," he stressed. "The players have a burning desire to redeem themselves in front of our fans." 

Sentiments echoed by striker Mohamed Wael Derbali, who revealed the squad was "aware of Petro's strength" but "does not trifle" with results at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi.   

"We will do everything to win back top spot," Derbali vowed ahead of the group's headline clash. 

"We have recovered well from the last defeat and regained our sensations. We are counting on our supporters to outwit our opponent." 

Victory would send out a statement and blow the race for TotalEnergies CAF Champions League progress wide open heading into the second half of the group campaign. 

But Petro, inspired by joint-top scorer Alexandre Guedes, will have other ideas as they bid to spoil the Esperance revenge mission.