Club Africain's Champions League return: Key points for Maher Kanzari

Club Africain, the Tunisian champion, faces a crucial test in the first preliminary round of the Champions League against Djoliba AC. This double-header, with the first leg in Radès in early September, will serve as a "crash test" to assess the cohesion of a significantly reshaped squad. The team's performance will be closely watched as they aim to make a strong continental debut.

The squad has seen numerous departures, including key players like Ben Abda, Shili, Chaouat, Zemzemi, and Cherifi. To compensate, several new recruits have joined, including defender Meriah, midfielders Moataz Zaddem and Chikhaoui, defender Mahressi, and forward Taddeus Nkeng. Coach Maher Kanzari faces the challenge of integrating these new talents with the remaining "old guard" and players who had limited game time last season.

Kanzari must find the right balance across the team's lines. In defense, the new pairing of Meriah and Bouabid will be compared to the previous Ben Abda-Cherifi duo. On the flanks, Zaâlouni, Ben Ali, and Mahressi will need to provide the attacking impetus expected of modern full-backs. The midfield's dynamism will be tested, with Saydou Khan and Alain Kanté potentially filling the void left by Zemzemi and offering more velocity and talent.

Upfront, despite the departures of Chaouat and Mesmari's contract dispute, Club Africain appears to have sufficient attacking options. Wingers Bouguerra, Khadhraoui, and Harzi, along with the physical presence of Taddeus Nkeng and the skill of Kadida and Mnasri, provide varied solutions. Coach Kanzari knows he will face intense scrutiny from fans and management, making success in these early matches imperative.