CAF Champions League: Souhalio Bamba earns ASEC Mimosas a draw at ASCK

ASEC Mimosas will return to Cote d’Ivoire with the CAF Champions League tie against ASCK finely balanced after the sides drew 1-1 in the first leg of their first preliminary-round meeting in Lome on Sunday.

ASCK took the lead in the 20th minute through Enock Assigno, but ASEC Mimosas responded before half-time when Souhalio Bamba levelled for the visitors.

The result leaves both clubs with an equal chance of progressing before the return fixture. ASEC Mimosas will have home advantage in the second leg as they attempt to secure qualification, while ASCK must produce another strong performance to continue their campaign in the CAF Champions League.

The home side made the brighter start and found a way through after 20 minutes. Enock Assigno was played in behind the ASEC Mimosas defence and moved into a one-on-one position with goalkeeper Charles Folly Ayayi.

The ASCK forward kept his composure in front of the Ivorian goalkeeper, selecting his finish accurately to put the Togolese team ahead.

ASEC Mimosas were forced to respond after falling behind, and they managed to restore parity before the interval. Souhalio Bamba scored in the 39th minute, bringing the Ivorian side level and cancelling out ASCK’s early advantage.

The equaliser ensured that neither team could take a lead into the interval. The two sides went into the dressing rooms with the score at 1-1, a result that remained unchanged for the rest of the match.

That stalemate means the first-leg contest in Lome has not separated the clubs. Neither ASCK nor ASEC Mimosas has established a decisive advantage ahead of the return meeting, with qualification set to be determined in the next game.

ASEC Mimosas will now prepare to complete the tie on home ground, where they will look to turn their away draw into progress in the competition. ASCK, meanwhile, will need to reproduce the quality that allowed them to take the lead in Lome if they are to extend their run in the CAF Champions League.

The first preliminary round is therefore still completely open after Sunday’s encounter. ASCK’s early goal gave them a platform, but Bamba’s equaliser ensured ASEC Mimosas avoided defeat and kept the tie level heading into the second leg.