LP1: Philippe Kinzumbi, the big absentee from the Club Africain vs ES Tunis derby | OneFootball

Major blow for Philippe Kinzumbi

Philippe Kinzumbi/@Le Temps

Club Africain will be without their Congolese winger Philippe Kinzumbi for the TunisianLigue 1 derby clash, scheduled for Sunday against Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

It's a tough blow for the Red and White! Philippe Kinzumbi picked up a booking on Thursday against Stade Tunisien (0-0), which rules him out of the derby. This was his third yellow card, meaning he must serve a one-match suspension due to card accumulation.

One less weapon for Faouzi Benzarti, who will have to find new attacking options for this crucial match in the title race.

Espérance Sportive de Tunis have in fact opened up a three-point lead at the top of the table after their 4-0 victory over JS El Omrane on Thursday, taking advantage of the points shared between Stade Tunisien and Club Africain.

Since arriving last summer, the former TP Mazembe winger has tallied 6 goals and 1 assist in 26 appearances for the Red and White. He is the team's standout performer this season, boasting 4 goals in 11 matches across all competitions.