 Esperance beat USM Algiers to win the group |
Esperance beat USM Algiers in Tunis to confirm top spot in Champions League group B. The win ensures the Tunisians will play the group A runners-up in the semi-finals.
Imed Ben Younes and Walid Azaiez scored early in the first half to seal the game.
Ben Younes' goal was something of a fluke, as visiting goalkeeper Mohamed Mezair thought his goalbound shot was heading wide and left it.
That was after three minutes, and within quarter of an hour Esperance were two up.
Skander Skouyah bent in a free kick, which deflected off Azaiez and past Mezair.
USM Algiers initially responded strongly, and Esperance's Ivorian goalkeeper Jean-Jacques Tizie made a string of fine saves in the El Menzah stadium.
However the second half was not much of a contest, as both North African clubs eased off, knowing their places in the semi-finals of the three million dollar competition were secure.
Champions League favourites Esperance will face the Group A runners-up Ismailia in the semi-finals, while USMA will trade tackles with Group A winners Enyimba.
The semi-final first legs will be held over the weekend of 31 October - 2 November, with the return games to be played two weeks later.
MMIX
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