Etoile du Sahel Held to a 1-1 Draw in the Champions League Last 16 First Leg
Etoile du Sahel’s hopes of securing a favorable first-leg result in their CAF Champions League Round of 16 tie with Olympique de Khourigba were dashed on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Stade Olympique de Sousse.
The Tunisians looked to be in control for much of the match, having taken the lead in the 34th minute thanks to a clinical strike from Rami Bedoui. The defender latched onto a well-delivered free-kick and scored with precision to give Etoile the advantage. It was a strong start for the Sousse-based side, who appeared to be on track to finish the first leg with a crucial lead ahead of next week’s return match.
However, in the second half, Khourigba mounted a fightback, capitalizing on a costly mistake in the Etoile defense. In the 63rd minute, Sidibé was the beneficiary of a major blunder from Etoile du Sahel’s goalkeeper and central defenders, who failed to clear a harmless cross into the box. Sidibé was quick to pounce on the loose ball and level the score with ease, much to the frustration of the home side’s fans and coaching staff.
Despite Etoile du Sahel’s efforts to retake the lead, which included a few dangerous chances in the final stages, the score remained locked at 1-1. The Tunisians would be disappointed not to have capitalized on their first-half dominance, but the away goal scored by Khourigba now gives the Moroccan side a valuable edge heading into the return leg in Khourigba.
The match ended in a draw, but both teams will feel they have everything to play for next week, making the second leg an intriguing and unpredictable encounter. The Tunisians will need to sharpen their defense and finish more clinically if they are to avoid an upset and advance further in the competition.
Next week’s return leg in Khourigba will determine which of the two clubs will progress to the quarter-finals of Africa’s premier club competition. Etoile du Sahel will need to raise their game in Morocco to ensure they keep their Champions League dreams alive.
