Confederation Cup: Al Ahli Madani edge Étoile du Sahel with late winner in first leg

Al Ahli Madani secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisia’s Étoile du Sahel in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie on Saturday, giving the Sudanese club a slender advantage heading into the return fixture.

The decisive moment arrived five minutes from time when Khaled Sanja struck to break the deadlock at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam. His late goal rewarded Madani’s persistence and left Étoile with work to do in the second leg.

Despite the defeat, Étoile du Sahel produced a disciplined defensive display for much of the contest. Goalkeeper Sabri Ben Hassan proved vital in keeping the visitors in the match, pulling off a string of important saves.

His best interventions came in quick succession midway through the second half, first parrying a dangerous free-kick in the 68th minute before reacting sharply a minute later to deny another Sudanese effort that looked destined for goal.

Étoile also created opportunities of their own but were left frustrated in attack. Adem Ouertani thought he had given the Tunisians the lead early in the second half, only to see his effort ruled out in the 56th minute for a foul in the build-up.

Moments later, Raki Aouani wasted a golden chance to put his side in front when he failed to convert from close range in the 67th minute.

Tensions rose in the closing stages as the visitors pushed for an equaliser. Their hopes suffered a further setback in stoppage time when Ouertani received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Étoile to finish the match with ten men.

For Al Ahli Madani, the victory represents an important step in their bid to progress in the competition. With an away trip to Sousse still to come, the Sudanese side will know their one-goal advantage is far from secure but will take confidence from their resilience and ability to capitalise late on.

Étoile du Sahel, meanwhile, face an uphill task as they prepare for next Saturday’s return leg. The Tunisian side must overturn the deficit without conceding if they are to keep alive their hopes of advancing in Africa’s second-tier club tournament.

The atmosphere at the Stade Olympique de Sousse is expected to be intense as Étoile look to harness home support in a bid to rescue their Confederation Cup campaign.

With everything still to play for, the tie promises to deliver further drama in the second leg as one of North Africa’s most successful clubs attempts to avoid an early exit, while Al Ahli Madani aim to build on their hard-fought win.