The duo of Anthony Okpotu and Moses Orkuma, will seek to continue their Cinderella story with modest Union Sportive Monastir when they face favourites, Esperance Sportive, in today’s Tunisian Cup final.
It’s another “David vs Goliath” Cup final as Monastir are in their first Cup final in over a decade, while Esperance are the most successful team in the tournament with 15 titles.
Olympique Beja’s 2010 victory over Club Sportive Sfaxien was the last time an underdog defeated a favourite in the Tunisian Cup final.
Fresh from their historic best ever finish in Tunisia’s Ligue1Tn last term, which earned them a place in Africa for the first time, the Tunisian Cup presents another opportunity for the modest club to win their first ever silverware.
Okpotu
Ligue1Tn Top scorer, Okpotu, who fired 13 goals in his first season in Tunisia will play his first final.
Okpotu has since become a threat to the defence of opponents and many see him as a key factor today.
“After losing twice in the League to Esperance, we want to avoid a third defeat.
“USM can win the Cup and we want to win it to rewrite the club’s history. A lot has been achieved this season, now we want to put the icing on the cake,” he told SCORENigeria
Interestingly, Esperance have since identified Okpotu as a transfer target to boost their attack.
Orkuma
Compatriot, Orkuma, also seeks to make Cup history after winning the title back in 2015 with Esperance’s Sousse based bitter rivals Etoile du Sahel.
Orkuma’s presence in the midfield has strengthened the team and his experience in Tunisian football is massive.
“We will go all out for victory as we want the Cup,” he told SCORENigeria
Must-Win
Today’s match is a “must-win” for Monastir, who lost twice in the league to Esperance at home and in Tunis.
Home Advantage
Will home advantage count today as both teams clash in Monastir?
Esperance already have bragging rights after their 1-0 victory over USM in Monastir.
It’s a familiar ground for the hosts who have to show their understanding of the turf.
Fans
No thanks to Covid19, there will be limited number of fans at the stadium.
Each team are allowed to have 50 fans in the stadium.
New Trophy
Today’s winner takes away the newly introduced trophy on parade for the first time.
Mustapha Ben Jannet Stadium
Monastir’s home ground, Mustapha Ben Jannet Stadium is venue of the final for the first time.
Kick-Off
6:00pm (Nigerian time)
By Ojeikere Aikhoje, Guest Writer
