Esperance de Tunis coach Nabil Maaloul believes his team will face a "tough challenge" against TP Mazembe in CAF Champions League semi-finals, but is nevertheless well positioned to claim a final berth.

"It will be a very tough game. We have a lot of respect for TP Mazembe, but the Congolese should fear us," Maaloul said at a Friday press conference. "After all, we're the African Champions, but we must prove our superiority on the pitch."

The Tunisian champions claimed a badly-needed scoreless draw with DR Congo two weeks ago and now need a win to go through.

"We had a positive result in our first leg, but it's a bit tricky," Maaloul said. "We will try to impose our style of football here in Rades to create maximum opportunities, but we must also stay vigilant at the back against their counters."

Maaloul went on to confirm that he would have a full squad for the decider, as Ghanaian wing-back Samuel Afful had totally recovered, along with midfielder Karim Aouadhi and inspirational forward Youssef Msakni.

Only striker Iheb Msakni, who is currently recovering from a leg injury, will be on the sidelines.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)