Ogochukwu Obiakor's hat-trick secured victory for Etoile Sahel

The president of Etoile Sahel believes that the Cup Winners' Cup victory on Saturday has established the Tunisian side as one of Africa's leading clubs.

Etoile Sahel won the trophy after beating Nigeria's Julius Berger 3-0 in the second leg of the final, thus overturning the 2-0 defeat the north Africans had suffered in Abeokuta.

Under the leadership of president Othman Jenayeh, Etoile Sahel have won five African titles in nine years - the Caf Cup in 1995 and 1999, the African Super Cup in 1998 as well as the Cup Winners' Cup in 1997 and 2003.

"We have placed the club among the best in the continent," Jenayeh said after Etoile's latest triumph.

The president added that the Sousse-based club's future is bright as it prepares to play in the 2004 African Champions League.

"The players we have are well-experienced like Zoubeir Beya and (Ivorian) Ibrahima Kone, and they will blend with young players to continue our success," he said.

Meanwhile, Nigerian striker Ogochukwu Obiakor, whose three goals helped Etoile win the game 3-2 on aggregate, was lost for words after the Tunisian club's stunning comeback.

"I promised the team I was going to bring goals for them, but I never realised it would turn out to be a hat-trick," he told the BBC Sport website.

And his Nigerian counterpart Austin Ejide was equally overcome by winning his first African title.

"I really don't know how to celebrate," the international goalkeeper said.

"I can't explain my feelings."

Etoile Sahel finished second in the Tunisian league last season and will play in the Champions League as the country's second representative in accordance with Caf's new regulations.

Their dramatic victory on Saturday means they will go down in history as the last team to win the Cup Winners' Cup.

From next season, the Cup Winners' Cup and the Caf Cup will join to form the Confederation Cup, a new event with the promise of prize money and greater TV exposure.