Esperance, Etoile Sahel get away wins

Twenty-four hours after Etoile of Sahel picked an away win, Esperance of Tunis, the second Tunisian team engaged in the Orange Champions League also recorded an away win. They triumphed 2-0 in Ijebu-Ode against Sunshine Stars.

The defending champion dominated the first half and opened scoring on 20th minute through midfielder Youssef Msakni. Cameroonian attacker Yannick Ndjeng doubled the score in additional time before the break. The Ghanaian right back Harrison Afful particularly distinguished himself in the first half contributing in his team’s two goals.

For the first goal, he outrun the Nigerian defense and beautifully served Msakni who scored. He also served Ndjeng whose shot beat the Nigerian keeper.

The Nigerians came close to equalising through a Godfrey Oboabona strike that hit the goal post. The home side controlled the game in the second half and created some scoring chances but were unlucky not to convert them. Izu Azuka’s strike on 66 minute hit the cross bar while keeper Moez Ben Cherifia’s reflex kept his goal intact from Azuka’s 82nd minute strike.

Esperance and Etoile of Sahel are thus topping Group A. both teams will be playing at home in the return games. Esperance will clash with ASO Chlef on Friday, July 29 and Etoile of Sahel will face the Sunshine Stars the next day.

Group A results

ASO Chlef (Alg) – Etoile of Sahel (Tun) 0-1
Sunshine Stars (Nga) – Esperance (Tun) 0-2

Classification : 1. Esperance 3 points (+2), 2. Etoile of Sahel 3 points (+1), 3. ASO Chlef (0 point (-1), 4. Sunshine Stars 0 point (-2)