Al Hilal coach Florent Ibenge has outlined his plans to defeat Esperance when the two sides face off in their CAF Champions League on Friday.
The Sudanese side were defeated in their opening Group C match last week when they lost 1-0 on their travels against Petro de Luanda of Angola while the Tunisian giants won their opener 2-0 against their compatriots Etoile du Sahel.
With Al Hilal not able to host their matches at home owing to the civil war in Sudan, they have opted to host the former African champions at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania.
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“We’ve been in an unfortunate situation not able to play home matches where we are used to our fans pushing us to the limit,” said Ibenge as quoted by CAFOnline ahead of the game, adding: “However we are looking for nothing short of a win against Esperance a team I know so well even though we clearly know they are a big side in Africa we will play with pleasure to win and not pressure to concede.”
Midfielder John Manu echoed his coach’s sentiments, suggesting Hilal can utilise their unfamiliar settings to motivate an upset. “We did not start the competition well but we are very optimistic as the playing unit that we have a chance to upset Esperance here In Dar Es Salaam,” said Manu, adding: “We know it will not be easy but we are determined to use our disadvantage of playing our home matches away and turn it to a winning advantage.”
Esperance are top of Group C with three points, while Hilal’s zero points place them third. Meanwhile, Petro de Luanda are sitting second on three points. Etoile du Sahel are fourth on zero points.