With Elias Mokwana's Esperance de Tunis set to face Chelsea at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a representative of the club has now reacted to their group draw.
The Club World Cup draw took place on Monday night in Miami, with Esperance being drawn in Group D alongside Flamengo of Brazil, Club León from Mexico, and English giants Chelsea.
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Riyadh Bennour, the vice president of Esperance, was present during the draw ceremony, which was the first of its kind following the expansion of the tournament to 32 teams.
Bennour expressed pride in the fact that Tunisia will be represented on the global stage, telling Erem News: "Taraji [Esperance] will defend its chances of qualifying for the second round, and we will not come here just to participate, but to play to honour Tunisia.
"Our chances of qualifying are there, even though we will face a big team in Europe and England, which is Chelsea, in addition to Flamengo and Club Leon.
"Taraji will start preparing for the Club World Cup from now on in order to honour Tunisian football in the best way possible and will be fully prepared before its first match in the tournament."
Also reacting to the draw, Esperance head coach Laurentiu Reghecampf told FIFA: "We've been placed in a tough group, which is a motivating challenge and, in itself, a good thing.
"This competition also gives us a unique opportunity to experience a wide variety of playing styles from all over the world.
"We will do everything we can to progress through this group stage and proudly represent our colours."
The Tunisian giants will open their campaign against Brazilian side Flamengo, although the venue is yet to be confirmed.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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