Asec Mimosas hold Esperance to frustrating goalless draw at home

Ivorian giants Asec Mimosas walked away the happier side on Saturday evening when they frustrated Esperance Sportive de Tunis to a goalless stalemate in what was the last round of Quarter-Final fixtures for the weekend played at the Stade Olympique in Tunis, CAFonline reports.

The 0-0 draw sets up a grand finish to the Quarter-Finals when the two sides meet in a return fixture in Abidjan next weekend, with both teams going into the clash on clean sheets.

Despite being starved of possession, the Ivorians were the first to get a chance at goal after Raed Bouchniba’s loss of possession in the danger area. Karidioula Mofosse almost capitalized on the error but saw his effort go wide off target.

The Tunisians eventually had a sniff at goal just before the half-hour mark after Ghaylen Chaleli’s dangerous ball almost caught the keeper off guard, who did just enough to fist it away from danger.

In the second stanza, the hosts continued from where they left off as they surged forward in search of the opener.

Coach Miguel Cardoso introduced fresh legs and injected much-needed pace into the host’s attack.

Second-half substitute Oussema Bouguerra was unlucky not to have found the opener after a well-struck effort from outside the box had Ayayi Folly well-beaten, but he was fortunate to see the ball come off the woodwork.

Midfield sensation Houssem Tka should have broken the deadlock in the 74^th minute after doing well to rise above his markers for his header to go off target.

Despite being under severe pressure throughout the match, the Ivorians did well to absorb and thwart most of the attacks, escaping the North African nation with a confidence-boosting draw ahead of the return leg next weekend.

The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League return leg Quarter-Finals will occur on 05 and 06 April.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals Results (First Leg):

Friday, 29 March

Simba AC 0 – 1 Al Ahly SC

Saturday, 30 March

TP Mazembe 0 – 0 Atletico Petroleos

Young Africans 0 – 0 Mamelodi Sundowns

Esperance de Tunis 0 – 0 Asec Mimosas

Quarter-Finals Return Leg Fixtures:

Friday, 05 April

18h00 GMT | Mamelodi Sundowns v Young Africans

20h00 GMT | Al Ahly SC v Simba SC