Champ League: Esperance down Sunshine

Tunde Oyedele/ Ijebu Ode

Defending champions of CAF Champions League, Esperance of Tunisia, on Sunday maintained their status as Africa’s best club, as they defeated Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure 2-0 in a first group match at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode .

Msakni Youssef scored Esperance’s first goal in the 21st minute when he tapped the ball in following a pass from Afful Harrison.

Harrison, who dribbled his way from the right flank, turned Sunshine’s defender Isaac Hale Hale inside out and sent a pass across the six yard for an easy tap in for Youssef.

Ndjeng Joseph Yannick netted the second goal for Esperance with a classic volley, which he curved with his left foot into the right corner of the net, leaving Sunshine goalkeepr, Moses Ocheje, who dived full length rolling on the turf.

The first leg group tie, played at the Dipo Dina Stadium, saw the visiting team from Tunisia playing their hosts hands down, as they dominated the encounter from the first minute.

In their usual style, Esperance  played the game holding more possession, as Harrison and Mouelhi Khaled provided enough passes for their strikers from the midfield.

Goalkeeper Ben Cherifia Moez was not really tested, though Sunshine strikers, Ibrahim Ajani, Azuka Bobo Izu and Osas Idehen has few chances, which they wasted.

The Nigerian club raised their game in the second half, forcing Esperance to play defensive game, leaving only Yannick and Youssef to attack occasionally. Bobo Izu and Ajani tried  to reduce the tally, but their efforts were thwarted by the Tunisian goalkeeper.

The intoduction of Dele Oludare in the second half brought some bite to Sunshine’s striking force, as the stocky player hit the  cross bar with his first shot at goal.

Sunshine coach, Gbenga Ogunbote told P.M.Sports after the match that he will not lose sleep because of the loss in the first match of the group stage, saying it is a wake up call for his team.

“We have to go back to the drawing board to ensure that we live up to expectation in the remaining matches in this group stage. There is no doubt that losing this first match is a setback for us, but I want to assure our fans that this will be a temporary one. The challenges will be tough, but we’ll overcome them,” he said.

Coach of the visiting team, Nabil Maaloul said that the 2-0 victory by his team has put Sunshine in a tight corner as the Nigerian team have to win their away matches and ensure that they do not drop point at home in the remaining matches in the group.

“Losing at home has given Sunshine a big problem in the championship. For them to make up, they have to ensure they do not drop point again,” he said.