Chaouali Makes Bold Request to Esperance Coach After Draw with Sagrada

Veteran Tunisian commentator Issam Chaouali, known for his passionate analysis on beIN Sports, did not hold back in his critique of Esperance right-back Raed Bouchniba following the team’s lackluster draw against Angolan side Sagrada in the CAF Champions League.

The four-time African champions endured a goalless stalemate in Angola during the second round of the group stage, frustrating fans eager for continental glory after losing last season’s final to Al Ahly (1-0 on aggregate).

Chaouali’s sharp criticism was particularly directed at Bouchniba’s failed crossing attempts. “Once again, the problem of crossing persists at Esperance,” Chaouali lamented during the live broadcast. “If I were the coach, I would demand you show up six hours before practice to train exclusively on this skill. This is simply unacceptable!”

For their lackluster efforts, the pundit also criticized other players, such as Brazilian attacker Rodrigo Rodrigues and defender Hamza Jlassi.

Despite the loss, Esperance and Pyramids, an Egyptian team, are still tied for fourth place in Group D. This Saturday, the two sides will play a pivotal match at Rades Olympic Stadium as the Tunisian powerhouses look to regain their supremacy in Africa.

Esperance, who was drawn with Chelsea, Flamengo, and Club León for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, has a difficult challenge ahead of them. But for now, they are still concentrating on bolstering their team and fixing any tactical flaws that were shown in recent games.