Esperance de Tunis: Africa's silent threat in the FIFA Club World Cup

CAF

2 days ago

· A group of giants - but evident gaps to exploit
· Maher Kanzani's tactical blueprint paying off
· Belaili to play a key figure for the Blood and Gold
Four-time African champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis are no strangers to the global stage. Though they arrive at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup without the label of reigning TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners, their sustained excellence over the past four seasons has earned them a deserved place among the world's elite.
Finalists in last season's TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and falling just short to Al Ahly SC, the Tunisian giants are now poised to test themselves in one of the most competitive groups of the expanded 32-team global tournament.
Drawn alongside European heavyweights Chelsea, Mexican side Club León, and South American powerhouses Flamengo, the task is formidable—but not insurmountable.
While Chelsea, recent winners of the UEFA Europa Conference League, enter the group as favourites, Esperance have proven they can hold their own against technically superior opposition.
Brazilian outfit Flamengo, despite their rich history, have struggled for domestic consistency, and León have shown defensive vulnerabilities. These cracks are precisely where Esperance's discipline and tactical nous may shine.
Under the guidance of head coach Maher Kanzani, the Tunisian giants have maintained a structured and pragmatic 4-3-3 system. The midfield operates with intelligence and patience, anchored by a deep-lying playmaker, while the wings offer explosive transitions and width. It's a formula that has brought both local and continental success.
Youcef Belaili continues to be the heartbeat of the side, his nine goals and six assists this season reflecting both creativity and cutting edge. But Esperance's strength lies in its emerging core. Brazilian playmaker Yan Sasse has netted 10 goals in all competitions, while Houssem Tika's seven assists speak to his growing influence.
At left-back, Mohamed Amine Ben Yamida's overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas have added a new dimension to their build-up play.
With fixtures against quality opposition, Esperance's path to the knockout rounds won't be easy—but it is possible. If they can stifle Chelsea's rhythm, expose León's midfield gaps, and disrupt Flamengo's tempo, a place in the Round of 16 is within reach.
In a tournament built for surprises, the Blood and Gold could well be writing the most unexpected chapter.
ES Tunis FIFA Club World Cup Fixtures:
Tuesday, 17 June: Flamengo vs ES Tunis | 01h00 GMT
Saturday, 21 June: Leon vs ES Tunis | 22h00 GMT
Wednesday, 25 June: ES Tunis vs Chelsea | 01h00 GMT