Esperance coach throws in the towel after embarrassing loss to Al Ahly

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CAFCL Esperance coach throws in the towel after embarrassing loss to Al Ahly

Festus Chuma 18:48 - 13.05.2023

The 60-year-old former Tunisia national team coach has formally tendered in his resignation letter to Esperance and is no longer the head coach of the club.

Espérance de Tunis head coach Nabil Maâloul, has paid the price for his team's failure to beat Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League semi-final, first leg, by resigning from his job.

The 60-year-old resigned on Saturday afternoon after the Blood and Gold lost to the Red Eagles 3-0 in a match played at Stade Olympique de Rades.

South African attacker Percy Tau gave Al Ahly the lead after eight minutes before the same player doubled the Reds' lead in the 55th minute, scoring a Champions League semi-final brace for a second consecutive year.

Mahmoud Kahraba then sealed the big win with a third goal in the 75th minute, tapping in Hussein El-Shahat's cross from close range.

The former Tunisia national team head coach said he had parted ways with the African football giants.

"I understand the sadness and disappointment of the fans after this difficult loss, and I apologize to all the fans for not being able to bring joy to the hearts of our old fans last night," reads the statement.

"The task was not easy for me recently and for the rest of the technical team and the players for several reasons that cannot be explained, but I tried my best to find the appropriate solutions, overcome difficulties and achieve the best possible results.

I accepted the call of duty. My team needed me in a difficult period at the end of the overtime season, and I thank God we succeeded in some things and failed in others, and man makes mistakes and gets injured.

Mainly for the benefit of my Tunisian Sporting Team, I decided to withdraw and submit my resignation to the club president.

I call on all the fans to continue supporting the players for the rest of the journey in the championship, the cup, and the CAF Champions League."