Espérance sack Maher Kanzari after Stade Malien defeat

Espérance Sportive de Tunis have officially parted company with head coach Maher Kanzari, ending his latest spell in charge of the Tunisian giants following a disappointing run of results on the continental stage.

The decision was taken in the wake of Espérance’s recent CAF Champions League defeat, a result that complicated the club’s qualification hopes and intensified pressure on the technical bench. While the club have remained competitive domestically, continental performances have fallen short of expectations, prompting the board to act.

Kanzari, who returned to Espérance with the task of steadying the team and maintaining their status among Africa’s elite, oversaw a period marked by mixed results. Despite moments of promise and experience in managing the demands of a big club, inconsistency and growing dissatisfaction among supporters ultimately defined his tenure.

In a brief statement, Espérance confirmed the separation was reached by mutual agreement, thanking Kanzari for his service and professionalism while wishing him success in his future career. No immediate replacement has been announced, but the club is expected to appoint an interim coach as it weighs long-term options.

The timing of the decision underlines Espérance’s urgency to reset quickly, with crucial domestic fixtures and remaining Champions League matches looming. For a club with a rich history of success in Africa, the priority remains restoring stability and pushing for silverware on all fronts.

As the search for a new head coach begins, attention now turns to how the players respond to yet another managerial change—and whether Espérance can rediscover the authority and consistency that have long defined one of Africa’s most successful clubs.