Holders Esperance of Tunisia survived a
scare at home to Chad’s Elect Sport on Friday night before advancing to the
group phase of the African Champions League.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns had a much easier night, putting 11 goals
past Cote D’or of Seychelles and will be joined in the next round by Angola’s
Petro Atletico who got past Uganda’s KCCA on the away goals rule.
Defending champions Esperance hosted Elect Sport in Tunis with
the tie level at 1-1 from the first leg.
Despite being overwhelming favourites to win, Esperance were left stunned by
the visitors after Ibrahim struck in the 38th minute to put Elect Sport 1-0 up
on the night and 2-1 ahead on aggregate.
The Tunisians, who won last season’s controversial final, went into the break on the verge of a shock exit.
In the second half, Esperance pushed for an equaliser and it came in the
62nd minute when Ibrahim Ouattara’s header made it 1-1.
The home side’s experience counted towards the end and they got their winner
from Abdelraouf Benguit seven minutes from time to make it 2-1 to Esperance on
the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
Earlier on Friday, former winners Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa
eased into the group stages with an 11-1 victory over Cote D’or of
Seychelles.
