Tunisian side Esperance booked their place in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals after a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over Al Hilal of Sudan at the weekend.
A first-half goal from veteran defender Yassine Meriah was enough to secure the three points for Esperance and seal second spot in Group C behind Angola’s Petro Atletico.
Meriah struck in the 22nd minute, capitalising on a defence-splitting pass from Yanis Sassi to slot home and give the hosts a lead they never relinquished.
Al Hilal rallied in the second period and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but found Esperance goalkeeper Amanallah Memmich in inspired form whenever they threatened.
Esperance nearly doubled their advantage late on when Raed Fedaaj went close, but Memmich was not seriously tested again as the Tunisians held on.
The win saw Esperance finish on 11 points, one behind group winners Petro Atletico and two ahead of Al Hilal in third.
