Nader Ghandri says Al-Suwaihli are determined to fight for qualification when they face Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the African Champions League second preliminary round.
The Tunisian defender, who plays for Libyan side Al-Suwaihli, described the upcoming tie as a historic occasion as his team prepares to face one of Tunisia’s leading clubs over two legs.
The first meeting will take place in Libya between 16 and 18 October, before the return fixture at Rades Stadium on either 24 or 25 October. The two matches will determine which side progresses to the group stage of the African Champions League.
Ghandri spoke about the significance of the tie in exclusive comments to the Winwin platform, highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding his return to Tunisia as an opponent.
“The match against Esperance will be a big and special game for me, especially since I am Tunisian and after years of playing professionally outside of Tunisia, I am returning to face a Tunisian team and one of the biggest teams in Africa.”
The defender said his Tunisian background gives the encounter a particular emotional dimension, but insisted that his commitment remains firmly with Al-Suwaihli.
Ghandri expressed his pride at representing the Libyan club and said he would approach the matches with the same determination expected of him in any major continental fixture.
“I have the utmost respect for Esperance, its history and its fans, but today I am a player for Al-Suwaihli and I defend my team’s colors with pride.”
The Libyan club will enter the tie with the objective of reaching the group stage, while the people of Misrata are preparing for what is being viewed as an important moment for the team.
For Ghandri, the significance of facing a major Tunisian club does not change the target set by Al-Suwaihli. He said the players are focused on producing a strong performance across the two matches and keeping their qualification hopes alive until the final whistle.
The defender also called on the team to make the most of the opportunity and give Al-Suwaihli supporters a reason to celebrate.
“God willing, we will be up to the task and deliver a great performance. Our goal is clear: to defend our chances until the end and make Al-Suwaihli fans happy. May God grant us success, and God willing, it will be a match that honors Tunisian and Libyan football.”
The tie therefore carries an added personal meaning for Ghandri, who will face a Tunisian opponent after spending years pursuing his professional career outside the country. Despite his respect for Esperance, his attention is now on helping Al-Suwaihli achieve their stated objective of reaching the Champions League group stage.
