Esperance claim crucial first-leg victory over Al Ahly in TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-final
Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis secured a valuable 1–0 victory over Egypt’s Al Ahly SC in the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-final on Sunday night, giving them a slender advantage ahead of the decisive return match in Cairo.
The encounter at the packed Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades lived up to expectations as two of Africa’s most successful clubs battled in a tense and highly tactical contest.
Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot midway through the second half, ending Esperance’s long run without scoring against Al Ahly and handing the Tunisian side a crucial result before next week’s second leg.
Despite the defeat, the Egyptian champions remain firmly in contention with the return leg scheduled at Cairo International Stadium, where they will attempt to overturn the deficit and keep their continental ambitions alive.
Cagey opening between continental heavyweights
Both teams began the match cautiously, aware of the importance of avoiding an early mistake in a tie that could be decided by fine margins.
The first clear opportunity fell to Esperance in the 13th minute when forward Florian Danho broke through on goal, only to be denied by an excellent save from Al Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
Al Ahly responded soon afterwards when Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet unleashed a powerful long-range effort in the 21st minute, but Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said reacted well to push the ball away for a corner.
The match developed into a tactical contest, with both sides pressing high and attempting to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm.
Shobeir continued to impress late in the first half, producing another vital intervention to keep the score level heading into the interval.
Al Ahly push after the break
The Egyptian side returned for the second half with greater attacking intent as they attempted to take control of the match.
Midfielder Emam Ashour nearly opened the scoring with a well-directed header, while Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki also threatened with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area.
However, Esperance’s defence remained organised, and goalkeeper Ben Said produced several key saves to keep the hosts level during this period of pressure.
Decisive moment from the spot
The turning point of the match came in the 73rd minute when Esperance were awarded a penalty after Al Ahly defender Mohamed Hany handled the ball inside the penalty area.
Following a review of the incident, the referee pointed to the spot, allowing Tougai the opportunity to break the deadlock.
The defender stepped up confidently and sent the ball beyond Shobeir to give Esperance the lead and ignite celebrations among the home supporters.
The goal was particularly significant as it ended a run of eight matches in which Esperance had failed to score against their Egyptian rivals.
Late pressure and missed chances
Al Ahly pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, introducing fresh attacking options in an attempt to rescue a result.
However, Esperance nearly doubled their lead in the 80th minute when a dangerous attack ended with Jan Sass shooting over the crossbar from a promising position.
Substitute Youssef Msakni also attempted an audacious long-range effort late in the match that sailed narrowly over the goal.
The referee added eight minutes of stoppage time, but Al Ahly were unable to find a breakthrough as Esperance defended resolutely to preserve their advantage.
All to play for in Cairo
Although Esperance will travel to Egypt with a narrow lead, the tie remains far from settled given Al Ahly’s formidable home record in continental competitions.
The return leg on Saturday at Cairo International Stadium promises another intense chapter in one of African football’s most storied rivalries, with a place in the Champions League semi-finals at stake.