Esperance learn CWC opponents

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Dec 13, 2018. 12:15

African champions Esperance de Tunis have learned their opponents for a Club World Cup second round match in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday night.

The Tunisians will face local side Al Ain at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on December 15, kick-off at 18h30 CAT.

UAE club Al Ain, the host side and winners of their domestic league in 2017/18, overcame OFC Champions League winners Team Wellington (New Zealand) in the first round match on Wednesday.

‘The Boss’ recovered from being 0-3 down at half time to draw the game 3-3 after 120 minutes – Al Ain then won the penalty shootout 4-3 to set up a tie with the Tunisians.

Esperance, who claimed their place in the international competition thanks to their triumph in the 2018 CAF Champions League, will be playing for a place in the semifinals against Argentine giants and Copa Libertadores winners River Plate on December 18.

The other second round match takes place at the same venue earlier on Saturday and sees Japan’s Kashima Antlers take on Mexico’s Guadalajara.

The winners of that match will face UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid in the second semifinal on December 19.

The final is set for December 22 at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

No African side has won the CWC, though Raja Casablanca (2013) and TP Mazembe (2010) both reached the final.