Espérance de Tunis suffers defeat and suspension in CAF Champions League

Espérance Sportive de Tunis faced a difficult outing in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, losing 1-0 to Libya’s Al-Swehly SC at the Misrata International Stadium. The match’s decisive moment occurred in the 64th minute when Ayoub Ayed converted a penalty to secure the win for the Libyan hosts.

In addition to the loss, Espérance will be without key Algerian international Youssef Belaïli for the return leg. Belaïli received a red card following a second yellow warning after the final whistle due to a verbal altercation with the officiating crew.

The return fixture is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Hamadi-Agrebi Stadium in Radès. To advance to the group stages, the Tunisian side must secure a victory by at least a two-goal margin.