In a tightly contested encounter at the Stade Olympique in Tunis, Ivorian giants Asec Mimosas frustrated Esperance Sportive de Tunis to a goalless stalemate in the final round of Quarter-Final fixtures for the weekend.
The 0-0 draw sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Quarter-Finals, with both teams heading into the return leg in Abidjan next weekend with clean sheets.
Despite facing a deficit in possession, Asec Mimosas had the first clear chance of the match when Karidioula Mofosse nearly capitalized on a defensive error by Esperance but saw his effort sail wide of the target.
Esperance, meanwhile, came close to breaking the deadlock just before the half-hour mark, with Ghaylen Chaleli’s dangerous cross forcing a crucial save from the Asec Mimosas goalkeeper.
In the second half, the hosts maintained their attacking momentum, spurred on by fresh legs introduced by coach Miguel Cardoso.
Asec Mimosas had a scare when a long-range strike from second-half substitute Oussema Bouguerra struck the woodwork, narrowly avoiding conceding the opening goal.
Despite enduring sustained pressure from Esperance, Asec Mimosas stood firm defensively, thwarting numerous attempts on goal to secure a confidence-boosting draw away from home.
With the return leg scheduled for next weekend, both teams will be eager to seize the initiative and secure a spot in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
