Esperance defender Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida has said his side’s narrow victory over Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg was shaped more by mental resilience than technical ability.
The Tunisian club secured a 1-0 win against the Egyptian champions in the opening leg of the tie, giving Esperance a slight advantage ahead of the decisive return match in Cairo.
Speaking after the game, Ben Hamida described the contest as a demanding encounter against one of Africa’s strongest sides.
Tough Contest Against African Giants
Ben Hamida acknowledged the challenge of facing Al Ahly, widely regarded as one of the most formidable teams on the continent.
“Al Ahly is one of the strongest teams in Africa, but we played well.”
The defender suggested that the match required intense concentration and discipline from the players, particularly given the stakes of a Champions League knockout fixture.
He emphasised that the psychological demands of the game were just as significant as the physical and tactical aspects.
Mental Strength Key to Victory
Reflecting on the nature of the match, Ben Hamida said the players had to maintain a high level of focus throughout the encounter.
“The match required focus because it is more difficult on a mental level than on a technical level.”
The Tunisian side managed to hold their lead despite pressure from their opponents, demonstrating the composure needed to secure a result in such a high-profile clash.
Missed Chances to Extend Lead
While Esperance managed to score once, Ben Hamida believed his team could have added further goals, particularly in the second half.
“We created many opportunities in the second half and we could have scored the second goal.”
Despite the missed chances, the single goal proved enough to give Esperance an important advantage heading into the second leg.
Support from the Stands
Ben Hamida also credited the club’s supporters for creating an atmosphere that helped inspire the team’s performance.
“The fans’ support made us perform well, and that’s not surprising coming from them. We had to make them happy.”
The encouragement from the home crowd, he said, played a significant role in motivating the players during the match.
Historic Win After Eight Years
The victory also carried historical significance for Esperance. The result marked their first win over Al Ahly in eight years.
Their previous triumph against the Egyptian side came in the second leg of the 2018 CAF Champions League final, when the Tunisian club recorded a 3-0 victory over the Cairo-based team.
Esperance’s goal in the recent match was also their first against Al Ahly since that final, ending a run of six consecutive matches in which the Tunisian side had failed to score against their rivals.
Decisive Return Leg Ahead
Attention now turns to the second leg of the quarter-final tie, which is scheduled to take place next Saturday at Cairo Stadium.
The return fixture will be played without spectators, a factor that could influence the atmosphere and dynamics of the match.
With Esperance holding a slender lead, both teams will enter the decisive encounter knowing that the outcome will determine who advances to the semi-finals of Africa’s premier club competition.
