Esperance edge Al Ahly in first leg of CAF Champions League quarter-final

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

 

Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Egypt’s Al Ahly SC in the first leg of their quarter-final clash in the CAF Champions League at the Stade Olympique de Radès on Sunday.

Defender Mohamed Amine Tougai proved the difference, calmly converting a 73rd-minute penalty to hand the Tunisian side a slender advantage ahead of the return leg in Cairo on Friday.

Al Ahly started the contest brightly and dominated possession in the opening stages but struggled to break down a disciplined Esperance defence. 

The visitors created the first meaningful opportunity in the 20th minute when Mahmoud Trezeguet unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, only for the Esperance goalkeeper to parry the effort away.

The Egyptian side continued to probe and nearly went ahead just before halftime when Emam Ashour fired over the crossbar from inside the area. 

Esperance responded moments later on the counter-attack, but Al Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was alert to deny striker Florian Danho, ensuring the first half ended goalless.

Esperance returned from the break with greater attacking intent. Brazilian winger Yan Sasse squandered a golden opportunity five minutes into the second half after breaking through on goal, but Shobeir produced another crucial block.

Al Ahly responded through Achraf Bencharki, whose long-range effort forced a save before Ahmed Sayed Zizo delivered a cross that Ashour headed goalward, only to see the Esperance goalkeeper intervene again.

The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute when the referee, after a VAR review, ruled that defender Mohamed Hany had handled the ball inside the area. Tougai stepped up and converted from the spot to give the hosts the lead.

Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup responded by introducing Marwan Attia, Hussein El Shahat and Marwan Othman as the Egyptian champions pushed for a late equaliser.

The visitors almost levelled three minutes from time when Mohamed Hany found himself with a clear sight of goal, but his effort drifted wide of the right post. 

Esperance also had chances to extend their advantage late on, with substitutes Youssef Msakni and Kouceila Boualia both missing on the counter-attack.

The result leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the decisive second leg in Cairo, where Al Ahly will look to overturn the deficit and keep their continental ambitions alive.