CAF Champions League: Esperance thump ASFAN 3-0 in Niger

Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis thumped ASFAN 3-0 in Niger on Sunday, in the first leg of their tie in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

The visitors needed just eight minutes to break the deadlock, as Algerian forward Kouceila Boualia opened the scoring.

After the break, Mali international Aboubacar Diakite took centre stage, striking twice to complete a brace and hand Esperance three crucial away goals ahead of the return leg in Tunis.

Elsewhere, Moroccan champions RS Berkane were held to a 1-1 draw by ASC Kara in Togo.

The hosts stunned the Confederation Cup holders by taking the lead in the 47th minute through Amoudane Oura-Ayeva.

However, Berkane salvaged a result when Oussama Lamlioui netted the equaliser with just 13 minutes remaining.

Esperance now head into the second leg with a commanding advantage, while Berkane will look to finish the job on home soil.