A certain African giant's managerial change has reportedly been confirmed following their elimination from the African Football League this week.
According to Sports News Africa, Esperance de Tunis have confirmed the appointment of Tarek Thabet as their new permanent head coach after the side was dumped out of the AFL by Wydad Casablanca via a penalty shootout on Wednesday.
Read: AFL tragedy: Wydad star passes away ahead of Downs decider
Thabet previously served as technical director of the Tunisian giants, and was put in charge on an interim basis after previous boss Mouin Chaabani resigned from the role at the beginning of October.
Prior to his appointment on Thursday, the former Tunisia national team star took charge of five matches, one against US Monastir in the Tunisian Ligue 1, and four in the African Football League, against Congolese giants TP Mazembe in a two-legged quarter-final and Wydad Casablanca in the semi-finals.
Despite taking 1-0 lead in the second leg against Wydad on Wednesday evening, with the aggregate scoreline being 1-1 at the final whistle, Esperance were knocked out of the AFL after the penalty shootout that ensued, which they lost 4-5.
After that match, Thabet said he was pleased with his team's performance overall, and that there were many positives to take away.
"It is true we did not create many chances and perhaps we lost the game in the first half. However, we corrected the same and had a better and excellent second half," he said, according to AFL.Africa.
"We scored one goal but didn't score the one that matters, and the reality is that we have some work to do in certain positions.
Thabet also took responsibility for the last-minute substitution of veteran goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia for youngster Amenallah Memmiche, who was expected to be the difference for Esperance during the shootout but instead conceded all five penalties he faced.
"Changing the goalkeeper was a choice we made, and we knew it was risky and perhaps if it had worked out, we wouldn't be talking about it," he added.
"The truth is both goalkeepers are at the same level and sometimes we need to take such action."
Read: AFL: Al Ahly manager makes big Downs semi claim after loss
The club's hierarchy are said to have been impressed by Thabet in the interim role, leading to them confirming him as their permanent head coach.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: