ASEC Mimosas fight back to draw first leg with ASCK in CAF Champions League

ASEC Mimosas recovered from an early setback to draw 1-1 with ASCK in the first leg of the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

The Ivorian side fell behind in the 20th minute when Enock Assigno opened the scoring for ASCK. ASEC Mimosas, however, responded before half-time and restored parity through Souhalio Bamba.

Bamba struck in the 39th minute, cancelling out Assigno’s earlier effort and bringing ASEC Mimosas back into a contest that had threatened to move away from them.

ASCK had taken control of the scoreline after 20 minutes, with Assigno’s goal giving the home side as reflected by the listed scoreline an early advantage. ASEC Mimosas were forced to find a response, and they did so before the interval.

The equaliser changed the complexion of the match. Rather than going into the break behind, ASEC Mimosas reached half-time on level terms, leaving the tie finely balanced after the opening leg.

Bamba’s goal ensured that the Ivorians’ efforts to recover from the early deficit were rewarded. His finish placed ASEC Mimosas back on equal footing and completely reopened the encounter.

At 1-1, there was still everything to play for as the first leg reached the interval. ASCK’s advantage had disappeared, while ASEC Mimosas had succeeded in correcting the damage caused by Assigno’s opener.

The match therefore remained evenly poised, with neither side holding the upper hand on the scoreboard before the break. Assigno had initially put ASCK in front, but Bamba’s intervention ensured that ASEC Mimosas went into half-time level.

For ASEC Mimosas, the equaliser represented a timely reaction in their opening CAF Champions League fixture. For ASCK, the lead gained in the 20th minute had been surrendered before half-time.

The scoreline stood at ASCK 1-1 ASEC Mimosas, with Bamba’s 39th-minute goal bringing the first-leg meeting back to parity. Both teams were left with the contest still open after the opening 45 minutes.