Esperance Sportive de Tunis has taken a significant step towards qualifying for the round of 16 of the Champions League after securing a vital away win against Gor Mahia in Kenya (3-2) in the first leg of the round of 16.
Despite a shaky start that saw them concede an early goal to Danny in the 14th minute, Esperance quickly bounced back with an equalizer from Ahmed Akaichi in the 27th minute. The first half ended with the score level.
After the break, the Tunisian club took control of the game and seized the lead with a goal from Yannick Ndjeng in the 64th minute. However, Gor Mahia managed to equalize.
The decisive moment came towards the end of the match when Haythem Jouini scored the winning goal for EST in the 89th minute, securing a 3-2 victory.
The return leg is scheduled to take place next Sunday at the Rades stadium.