High-flying Petro Atletico out to subdue Esperance threat

Petro Atletico will aim to preserve their flawless TotalEnergies CAF Champions League start when they head into the lion's den against Esperance on Saturday. 

The Angolan visitors have bagged six points from six in Group C to storm two points clear at the summit. 

But a difficult test awaits against Tunisian giants wounded by a recent loss to Al Hilal Omdurman - their first group defeat.   

Petro coach Alexandre Santos is under no illusions regarding the scale of the task at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi this weekend. 

“We must already count tomorrow with a great one from Africa - Esperance,” the Angolan cautioned ahead of the top-of-the-table tussle. 

“The overheated atmosphere, we are used to it. But we know our opponent will seek victory at all costs.” 

Santos is adamant his talented side have prepared meticulously all week to quell a hostile reception in the Tunisian capital. 

And midfielder Anderson Cruz revealed the camp was in bullish mood in their quest to spark a Group C surprise.  

"We plan to surprise our opponent,” Cruz declared. “Esperance remains a great team but we are in a good place and the team is inspired." 

The visitors’ greatest threat comes from Alexandre Guedes, the competition’s joint-top scorer with two goals to his name. 

Victory would strengthen Petro’s stranglehold on first place heading into the mid-point of the group phase next month. 

But three-time Champions League winners Esperance, inspired by livewire Kebba Sowe, will have other ideas as they vie to spoil the leaders’ party.