Kenzari: Africain's qualification changed our goals and ambitions in CAF Champions League

Maher Kanzari, coach of Club Africain, stated that qualifying for the group stage of the CAF Champions League after defeating Congolese side Mazembe 1-0 represents a turning point in the team's ambitions, as they can now think about reaching the advanced stages of the continental competition.

Kenzari stated in his remarks following the second leg match held at Rades Stadium on Sunday evening that Club Africain delivered good performances during the preliminary rounds, despite the difficulty of the opponents they faced. He pointed out that the team played four strong matches against Djoliba and Mazembe.

Club Africain has secured qualification after drawing 1-1 in the first leg in Congo, before winning the return leg 1-0. This victory completes the list of 16 clubs advancing to the group stage and marks Club Africain's return to this phase of the competition for the first time since 2019.

The qualification goal came in the first minute of stoppage time in the first half, after Hamza Khadraoui intercepted the ball following a defensive error from Mazembe, before passing it to Thaddeus Nkang, who found the net, giving the hosts the lead.

In the second half, Kanzari made several changes, bringing on Sadek Qdida, returning from injury, alongside Moataz Zdadam and Ayman Harzi. Meanwhile, Mazembe intensified their attempts to equalise, but Club Africain's defence succeeded in repelling their attacks and maintaining their lead until the end of the match.

The coach of Club Africain emphasized that Mazembe remains one of the strongest African clubs, rejecting any attempt to downplay the Congolese team's status due to its recent results.

Kenzari stated: "Anyone who thinks that Mazembe has declined compared to previous years is mistaken," adding that his team faced one of the strongest competitors in the preliminary rounds and showed great determination during both matches.

The Tunisian coach added that he prefers to face strong matches and tough challenges against heavyweight opponents, considering that overcoming the obstacle of Mazembe gives his team an important boost to continue their continental journey.

Kenzari explained that reaching the group stage was the club's primary goal at the start of the qualifiers, but qualifying has changed the team's calculations and raised their ambitions. He confirmed that each stage has its own objectives, and that Club Africain will work to reach the furthest stage possible in the CAF Champions League.

Club Africain joins its compatriot Espérance Tunis, which has also secured its place in the group stage, ensuring the presence of Tunisian football in the next phase of the competition.