Tunisian club Espérance have sacked head coach Maher Kanzari with immediate effect following a defeat in the CAF Champions League over the weekend.

The four-time Champions League winners announced the decision on Sunday after losing 1-0 to Stade Malien in Bamako.

Kanzari was in his third stint with the club and oversaw 41 games, with 27 wins, nine draws, and five defeats.

“The president of Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Hamdi Meddeb, has decided to terminate the contractual relationship between the club and head coach Maher Kanzari,” announced Espérance.

“The composition of the new technical staff will be announced in the coming days.”

Espérance is placed second in Group D behind Stade Malien, who have qualified for the quarterfinals with 11 points in the top spot.

As things stand, Espérance are tied on six points with Angolan side Petro Atletico, with both sides facing each other in the last match in Tunisia in the coming week.

Meanwhile, defending champions Pyramids FC have also secured their passage to the last eight, alongside fellow Egyptians Al Ahly.