Espérance de Tunis saw their CAF Champions League journey come to a disappointing end on Tuesday, falling to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in a tightly contested quarter-final clash.
Despite a determined display in Rades, the Tunisian giants were unable to overturn their 1-0 first-leg deficit, with the aggregate score sealing their fate.
Head coach Maher Kanzari faced the setback with accountability, expressing the pain of yet another continental stage exit.
“It is a bitter exit from the Champions League, but we faced a strong opponent,” Kanzari remarked. “I don’t want to blame the players, as it’s a collective responsibility.”
The former Tunisia national team boss emphasized the need to refocus on domestic challenges, urging his team to raise their standards.
“We must now concentrate on the cup and league competitions. Improving performance is crucial as some players did not meet the technical demands required for Champions League matches,” he stated, while keeping further observations confidential.
Espérance created opportunities but lacked the cutting edge to capitalize, settling for a barren draw.
Mamelodi Sundowns, well-drilled defensively, held firm to secure their place in the semi-finals, leaving Espérance to reflect on missed chances and unmet expectations.
