Esperance ST vs Al Ahly Prediction: The Red Devils have a pretty decent record against the hosts

The most decorated African team, Al Ahly, are all set to take on Esperance ST at the Stade Hamadi Arabi Stadium this Saturday in the first leg of the CAF Champions League. The Red Devils are on the brink of retaining their CAF Champions League title without a single defeat. However, Al Taraji, who are equally experienced in this competition, will be determined to clinch the trophy for the first time since 2019.

Esperance ST (Tunisia)

Last five games: WDWWW

The Blood and Gold head here with a shocking victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa. Raed Bouchniba scored the only goal that secured Esperance ST a deserved win. Twenty years old star goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche was handed the man of the match after making six quality saves against the hosts. However, they have been below par since then in their domestic league, winning once in four games. 

Al Taraji are the most successful team in the Tunisia Professional League, with thirty-one (31) league titles. They have won the Tunisia Cup fifteen times while securing the Tunisia Super Cup six times. They have triumphed in the CAF Champions League four times and are the second most successful side in the competition's history. 

In this competition, Esperance ST are unbeaten in their last eight games and have lost just once since the campaign began. 

Al Ahly (Egypt)

Last five matches: WWWDW

The Red Devils are the only side yet to taste defeat in this tournament, as they head here with an emphatic (3-0) victory over TP Mazembe. After a share of the spoils against the Congolese side away from home, the Red Devils unleashed their anger on the guests in Egypt. 

Al Ahly are the most successful team in the history of the tournament having won it eleven times, and are the defending champions. The Red Devils had a decent run in the group phase, winning three while losing three times. 

Marcel Koller's men are back on their feet after they were hit by injuries a few weeks ago. The return of Percy Tau and Emam Ashour has lifted their spirits. 

Al Ahly are the most experienced team in this competition; they know what they want and how to get it.

Expert Betting Tips

Over their previous fourteen meetings, Al Ahly have won ten while Esperance ST have managed just a win and three games ending in a tie. Esperance ST are not in a good shape heading into this game having won one of their last four league games. However, they have maintained a clinical approach in this competition. Al Taraji have played 720 minutes without conceding a goal as young goalie, Amanallah Memmiche has been tipped to win the golden glove. He has been influential for them since the campaign began, and he’s a player to watch out for here. On the opposing end, Al Ahly are the Real Madrid of Africa, and regardless of their performance in the domestic league, they’ll always invest their all when they play in the tournament. 

Esperance ST have won once on their ground against Al Ahly over their previous seven meetings. In this competition, home advantage can’t be underestimated, but not in the case of Al Ahly. The Red Devils have some dangerous players who can hurt any side in this competition, and we can’t think about anything that would stop them here; bet on away win either half for 1.98.

Tunisia are well experienced in this CAF Champions League but have lacked confidence against their opponents in previous meetings. It’s not going to be a walkover despite their opponent's recent run, and both teams to get a goal apiece here for 2.17.

The hosts have been vulnerable at the back lately, and the visitors might capitalize on their weaknesses; bet on a total of over 2.5 goals for 2.64.

Good luck!