Esperance de Tunis were frustrated by ES Setif in their 0-0 first leg CAF Champions League quarter-final draw at the Stade du 5 Juliet on Friday evening.
The Tunisian giants went into the game as favourites despite playing away from home and under the management of club legend Radhi Jaidi, they showed by they’ve been named among the tournament favourites.
Up against the 2015 champions of the competition Setif, the Algerian side was lucky to escape with the goalless scoreline in a game that provided much more entertainment than the scoreline suggests.
Due to the Holy month of Ramadan, the game kicked off at 23h00, with both squads heavily affected with players fasting during the day – but they managed to put on a show, none more so than that of Esperance midfield maestro Mohamed Ben Radhamone.
The Taraji number five pulled the strings alongside Fousseny Coulibaly, with the former providing the likes of Kingsley Eduwo and the lively Anayo Iwuala excellent chances in the first half.
Setif had a few of their own promising forays with Akram Djahnit at the forefront of their attacks but they never really looked like beating Moez Ben Cherifia, with Taraji showing most of the impetus.
This showed with their 57% possession and shots shot on target, while Setif mustered only two in front of their home fans – however with the scorelines 0-0, the tie is still evenly poised going into the return leg in Tunis next week.
🇩🇿 Sétif XI:
Khedairia, Nemdil, Belkaroui, Ziti, Ferhani, Karoui, Kendouci, Djahnit, Deghmoum, Benayad.
🇹🇳 Espérance XI:
Ben Chirfa, Bedrane, Tougai, Fedaa, Ben Hamida, Coulibaly, Chaalali, Ben Romdhane, Bougrine, Iwula, Eduwo.
🏟 Stade du 5 Juliet
⌚️ 23h00#TotalCAFCL pic.twitter.com/X7JeNy5OdQ— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) April 15, 2022
