CAF Champions League: No issues for Esperance in Niger

Tunisian champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis hold a strong lead after winning 3-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League clash against Niger’s AS FAN.

The Blood and Gold are well on their way to the final round of qualifying after securing a dominant victory in the Nigerien capital of Niamey, where they fulfilled their status as heavy favorites. Utilizing a strong selection for the first leg, the Tunisian domestic double winners pounced early when Kouceila Boualia took down a cross and finished in the 5th minute.

Comfortable with their early lead, EST maintained the one-goal advantage to halftime. Halftime substitute Aboubacar Diakité, an 18-year-old Malian attacker acquired from Djoliba AC, then snatched the spotlight in the second half with his dynamic pace. Diakité scored twice from close range to leave the result beyond doubt on his third appearances with his new club.

The second leg will take place in Tunis next Saturday. If they advance as expected, Esperance will face the winners between Burkinabe club Rahimo FC and Gabon’s Mangasport, who played to a 0-0 first leg result on Saturday.

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