ES Zarzis face uphill task after 3-1 home defeat by AS Real Bamako in CAF Confederation Cup

Esperance Sportive de Zarzis suffered a damaging 3-1 home defeat by AS Real Bamako in the first leg of the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The result has left the Tunisian side with a major challenge ahead of the return fixture, having conceded three goals on home soil and now needing a significant improvement to keep their qualification hopes alive.

AS Real Bamako made the stronger start and took the lead through Fousseyni Tangara, wearing number 12. The early goal unsettled the home defence and created a difficult atmosphere for Esperance Sportive de Zarzis inside the stadium.

Zarzis struggled to cope with the Malian side’s attacking threat and were unable to find a tactical response as the match progressed. Despite being forced back, the hosts could not prevent AS Real Bamako from creating further opportunities.

The visitors increased their advantage after the break when forward Andre Kamate, wearing number 20, took advantage of weaknesses in the local defence to score twice. His double put AS Real Bamako firmly in control and left Esperance Sportive de Zarzis with little prospect of recovering the match.

Al Habibi scored in added time to give the Tunisian side some consolation and reduce the deficit to 3-1. However, the late goal did little to change the overall picture of a difficult night for the hosts.

Esperance Sportive de Zarzis must now produce a major turnaround in the second leg if they are to eliminate AS Real Bamako and reach the next stage of the competition.

The home defeat leaves the team from Zarzis under considerable pressure before the return match. They will need an outstanding performance away from home to overturn the result and preserve their hopes of progressing in the CAF Confederation Cup.