Aspire Academy vs Étoile Sportive post match press conference

The two coaches offered contrasting reflections yet agreed the tournament
provided valuable lessons for their squads.


Aspire Academy head coach Álvaro Mejía expressed delight at securing a third
consecutive victory. He praised his players for overcoming a difficult opponent
who worked hard to close spaces, noting Aspire’s clinical finishing proved
decisive. Mejía emphasized that while the match was tough, his team showed
resilience and attacking quality, and the win will boost confidence heading
into the semi-final. He underlined the importance of recovery and preparation,
stressing the competition’s role as a platform to discover and nurture emerging
talent, with several players already standing out.


Étoile Sportive coach Mohamed Jihed reflected on the impact of injuries and
fixture congestion, explaining that four injuries in three matches disrupted
rhythm and limited their push for a semi-final spot. He highlighted the mental
growth of his players and reiterated the value of participation in building
experience for future editions.