Galaxy face stern Etoile test
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Saturday February 19, 2022 08:59
The national champions were handed a tough draw in their first ever Group stages appearance and faced an all-North African sides. However, they will be hoping to capitalise on home ground advantage as they seek to move from the bottom of Group C. Galaxy have previously used Obed Itani Chilume Stadium as their hunting ground for domestic ties and won all their Mascom Top 8 finals there. Etoile are also desperately looking for a victory to try and stay on course with Esperance who shot to the top with a healthy goal difference after the win over Galaxy.
Etoile were held 0-0 at home to Algerian side, CR Belouizdad last Friday and the 2007 African champions arrived in Botswana on Wednesday and expect to have acclamatised by the time the two sides meet at 6pm tomorrow. They are currently sitting at position seven in Tunisian Ligue 1 standings.
The match, despite being a potentially big tie, has been overshadowed by the Gaborone derby between Township Rollers and Gaborone United (GU), which also takes place tomorrow. Against Esperance, Galaxy conceded three quick goals in the first half before they settled well in the second half but it was already late. The North African sides have proven to be very strong on wing play, which would require that both Moagi Sechele and Thabo Leinanyane be on alert on the left and right sides respectively.
The North African sides are also well-known dead ball specialists. However, the local side can be motivated by the fact that Etoile have drawn their last four matches. Upfront, Galaxy are hoping that Thabang Sesinyi maintains his scoring form with the likes of Gilbert Baruti and Wendell Rudath also providing options in the final third.