Maher Kanzari, coach of Tunisia's Esperance Sportive de Tunis, reacts during their African Champions League soccer match against Algeria's JSM Bejaia at the Rades stadium in Tunis, May 4, 2013. (Photo: Reuters)
Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis terminated the contract of coach Maher Kanzari by mutual consent on Monday after the team had failed to reach the final of the African Champions League.
The end of Kanzari's tenure was officially announced on the club's website after the "coach admitted to failing in his mission to win the African Champions League title."
Esperance conceded a 1-1 home draw against South African champions Orlando Pirates on Saturday to exit the competition on the away goal rule, as the first leg ended into a scoreless draw.
The Sang et Or (Blood and gold) were hoping for a fourth consecutive final spot in their bid to win the Champions League title for the third time, having clinched the continental trophy in 1994 and 2011.
The decision was not a surprise as the club's board and supporters were increasingly frustrated by the team's lackluster performances under Kanzari, who took charge of the team in January 2013.
Skander Kasri has been named as interim coach upon the departure of Kanzari.
Media reports suggest that Frenchmen Raymond Domenech and Roger Lemerre could succeed Kanzari.
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