Esperance de Tunis were left ruing a missed penalty at the death after fighting back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Simba SC in their CAF Champions League Group D encounter on Sunday.
The Tunisian giants showed character in the second half of the Round 4 contest, while Simba were once again left frustrated after letting a commanding position slip.
The Tanzanian side appeared firmly in control at half-time, holding a 2-0 advantage that reflected their dominance in the opening period. However, lapses in concentration and costly defensive mistakes allowed Esperance to claw their way back into the contest and walk away with a point.
Simba entered the match desperate for their first win of the campaign following three consecutive defeats. The game unfolded at a slow tempo, with both teams disciplined in their defensive organisation and space limited along the goal lines. Although Simba enjoyed greater control in the first half, clear chances were scarce until the breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute.
Veteran right-back Shomari Kapombe opened the scoring with a header after Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said and defender Nidhal Laifi failed to deal with the danger. Simba struck again just before the interval as Yusuph Kagoma doubled the lead with a diving header to give the hosts a comfortable cushion heading into the break.
Esperance head coach Maher Kanzari altered the momentum of the match after the restart by introducing Algerian winger Kouceila Boualia. The substitution brought renewed attacking intent from the visitors, who pushed forward in search of a response while Simba dropped deeper to protect their lead.
Kapombe’s night turned sour in the 64th minute when a misjudged back pass gifted Esperance a way back into the game. Aboubacar Diakite capitalised by rounding goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja before finishing calmly. Simba nearly restored their two-goal advantage in the 76th minute, but Elie Mpanzu’s low drive crashed against the crossbar.
Esperance continued to apply pressure and were rewarded three minutes later when Boualia produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a stunning strike to level the score. The visitors were then presented with a golden opportunity to complete the comeback in the closing moments, but Hamza Jelassi failed to convert from the penalty spot, allowing both sides to settle for a draw.
Following the result, Esperance sit second in Group D with six points, while Simba remain bottom of the standings with just one point from four matches.
